STATUE OF PRINCESS TAKUSHIT (THE KUSHITE)

The statue of Princess Takushit was discovered in 1880, in Lower Egypt, on the hill of Kom-Toruga, near Lake Mariut, south of Alexandria during the tailend of the 25th Dynasty. The statuette was crafted with meticulous detail, the copper alloy hollow cast lined with bronze, silver and gold is an example of divine artistic expression. ​​The statuette is covered with engravings of hieroglyphs, and motifs of various deities, Onuris, his Consort Mehyt, Heru, Sekhmet, Amun in his ram form and a few others. Her expression and slight smile is one of subtle joy and serenity. Her demeanor exudes a lifelike realism and humble confidence suggestive of her dedication to divinity and ritualistic practice.

Her voluminous afro is twisted into short locs reminiscent of the common hairstyle academics refer to as the "Nubian Lappet". In her bent left arm, she once grasped the fly-whisk scepter, while her extended right hand once held the menit, a musical instrument played during rituals. Around her neck is a protective usekh collar, on her arms two elegantly crafted bracelets. Barefoot and poised in a walking stance, Takushit is depicted in stride with her left foot forward, representing movement and progress while adhering to artistic conventions.

Princess Takushit was an Kemetic princess and priestess who held both royal and religious roles during the Late 25th Dynasty, around 670 BC. Her name means “the Nubian or Kushite”, which raises questions given her reported lineage as the daughter of Akanuasa II, a Meshwesh Chieftain of Libyan origin who governed the Delta region during the reign of King Piankhi. This apparent contradiction has sparked various interpretations among scholars. Some point to the possibility her name refers to a family connection or to the marriage with an Nubian man.

Egyptologist Günter Vittmann posits that the designation of Takushit's name could reflect an attempt to connect her to Kushite ancestry, suggesting that the name "the Kushite" might serve as a substitute for an indigenous name tied more closely to her actual lineage. He states, “Under these circumstances, it is possible that the name ‘the Kushite’ alludes to corresponding descent and was used as a substitute for an indigenous name” (Günter Vittmann, 2007, A Question of Names, Titles, and Iconography. Kushites in Priestly, Administrative and Other Positions from Dynasties 25 to 26, p. 152).

This points to the notion that names in ancient Egypt often held multifaceted meanings and were frequently adapted in order to adhere to cultural norms while remaining rooted in ethnic identity. To illustrate the cultural dynamics of ancient Egypt we can look at the cult of Amun during the 3rd intermediate period. High Priestess of Amun, Shepenupet I was the daughter of Osorkon III and adopted Princess Amenirdis I, daughter of the Kushite King Kashta who would precede her as Divine Adoratrice of Amun at Thebes. Amenirdis I would then adopt Shepenupet II, daughter of the Kushite king Piye to succeed her and Shepenupet II would in turn adopt Nitocris I, daughter of Psamtik I, a Sais chieftain of the Delta. All were calculated political alliances with aims to position their families in positions of power and lend legitimacy to their respective rule. Needless to say this was a family affair that would rival any season of Game of Thrones.

The fluidity of identities in the ancient world reinforces the idea that ethnic and national classifications were not strictly defined but rather were dynamic and shaped by various cultural interactions and historical contexts. As noted by professor of Egyptology, Ohshiro Michinori's studies delve into the genealogy of Osorkon III, highlighting the significance of his family connections and their implications regarding his origin. In his research, Michinori states that “the family genealogy of Osorkon III indicates that he was rather more closely connected to Thebes than to the Delta”.

This assertion challenges the existing theories that propose a Delta origin for Osorkon III, suggesting instead that his ties to Thebes are more substantial. Such findings contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding the lineage and geographical affiliations of this king during the complex period of the Third Intermediate Period. (Ohshiro, Michinori. "Searching for the Tomb of the Theban King Osorkon III." In Proceedings of the Conference on Egyptian Archaeology, 2017)

These queries further indicate a complex interplay between different regions, highlighting connections that transcend simple categories of ethnicity or origin and the case of Princess Takushit illustrates how ancient identities were multifaceted, reflecting both personal lineage and broader socio-political contexts. She embodies the complexities of identity and heritage in ancient Egypt. The historical narratives surrounding figures like Takushit remind us that identities in the ancient world were often fluid and shaped by various influences, making the study of their heritage both complex and intriguing.

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Title: Statue of Princess Takushit

Period: Third Intermediate Period

Dynasty: 25th Dynasty

Collection: Ancient Egypt, Africa

Location: National Archaeological Museum of Athens, Greece

Medium: Gold and silver alloy

Accession Number: ΑΙΓ.110

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