What is Seshat the goddess of?
In ancient Egypt, Seshat was considered to be the goddess of writing, knowledge & wisdom. That is why we can see that the literal meaning of the word ‘seshat’ is the female scribe.
What was Seshat responsible for?
Seshat was believed to be responsible for keeping all the records of everything. In her many depictions, she is shown as writing or recording something; literally doing the work of a divine scribe. She was thought to invent the writing system. She also patrons temple libraries.
Sometimes, Seshat is seen in a less significant role in the afterlife. It was believed that she, along with Nephthys; the protective goddess of the dead restored the members of the deceased in the afterlife.
Was Seshat the consort/daughter/sister of Thoth?
Thoth was known to be the god of writing, knowledge & wisdom. Seshat is considered as the consort/sister/daughter of Thoth according to different myths.
We can understand now how Seshat came to be known as the goddess of all the aspects that Thoth already covers. She was actually the representation of the female counterpart of Thoth & wholely linked with Thoth.
Mistress of Builders
Seshat was also known by ancient Egyptians as the ‘mistress of builders’. It was believed that she established the ground plan on the base or extension of every sacred structure.
The archaeological evidence regarding this aspect of the goddess can be noticed from her depiction of 2nd dynasty where she is seen assisting pharaoh Khasekhemwy in the ceremonial ritual ‘stretching the cord’.
Transformation of the role of Seshat as a scribe
If we notice the depictions of Seshat throughout the whole period of ancient Egypt, we cannot overlook the transformations of her role or we can say additions to her role as a scribe. During the Old Kingdom, she can be seen engaging with the recording of different types of animal herds.
It was the Middle Kingdom from when she is seen recording the names of foreign prisoners. There are scenes from the New Kingdom where the royal affiliation of Seshat is depicted through her engagement with the recording of pharaoh’s regnal years & jubilees on the leaves of the sacred Persea tree.
How Seshat is depicted in ancient Egyptian art?
In ancient Egyptian art, Seshat is depicted in anthropomorphic form. In this form, she is depicted in the form of a woman who is wearing a leopard skin over her cloak along with a headdress which consists of a headband with a tall extension. Upon that extension, there is a mysterious symbol of a seven-pointed star.
This star is often seen capped a bow/ crescent moon-like symbol. She in her hands, usually holds a palm rib which may terminate in a tadpole which represents the hieroglyphic sign for the number 100,000. She is seated upon ‘shen’ which is the hieroglyphic sign for indicating infinite years.
What was the status of Seshat as a deity?
Seshat was definitely given a high status as a royal & divine scribe deity during the New Kingdom. But, no temple has been found till now, which can be assigned only to the goddess.
Thus, she cannot be found in the popular religion of ancient Egypt Although, she is depicted in the temple buildings which highlight her significant role in the foundation ceremony.
