Statue of Khonsu

Historical Reproduction - Vintage - 2001

DeAgostini, The Glory of Ancient Egypt, Collectors Figurine

Issue No. 8 - Statue Only

Approximately 5” tall

KHONSU

Khonsu, also spelled Chonsu or Khensu, is an ancient Egyptian deity associated with the moon, time, and healing. He was considered the son of the god Amun and the goddess Mut, and he formed part of the Theban triad, alongside his parents. 

Depicted as a youthful god with a sidelock of youth and wearing the lunar disk and crescent on his head, Khonsu was often represented holding the ankh, symbolizing life, and the djed pillar, symbolizing stability. He is sometimes depicted as a mummiform figure with a falcon's head, reflecting his association with Horus, the sky god.

Khonsu was believed to be a benevolent deity who traveled through the night sky, guiding and protecting the spirits of the deceased on their journey to the afterlife. He was also associated with healing and fertility, and temples dedicated to Khonsu often served as centers for medical treatment and magical healing rituals.

One of the most famous temples dedicated to Khonsu is the Temple of Khonsu at Karnak, located within the precinct of the larger Temple of Amun. This temple was built during the New Kingdom period and served as a place of worship and pilgrimage for devotees seeking the blessings and healing powers of Khonsu.

Khonsu's worship was widespread throughout ancient Egypt, and he was venerated by people from all walks of life, including royalty, priests, and commoners. His festivals were celebrated with music, dance, and feasting, and his statues were carried in processions to honor and invoke his blessings.

Khonsu's role as a lunar deity also linked him to the concept of time and cycles of renewal. He was believed to govern the passage of time and the waxing and waning of the moon, symbolizing the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

Today, Khonsu remains a beloved and revered figure in ancient Egyptian mythology, admired for his benevolence, healing powers, and connection to the cycles of nature and the cosmos. His image continues to inspire awe and reverence, serving as a reminder of the profound spiritual beliefs of ancient Egypt.