Profile
Name:
Ahmose-Nefertari (or Aahmes-Nefertari)
Domain:
Goddess of Resurrection, Protector of the Pharaohs in the Afterlife
Family:
Wife of Pharaoh Ahmose I, Mother of Amenhotep I
Origine
Ahmose-Nefertari was an ancient Egyptian queen of the 18th Dynasty, not a goddess in the traditional sense. However, she was deified and worshipped posthumously, particularly in the region of Deir el-Medina, the village of the workers who built the royal tombs. She was the wife of Pharaoh Ahmose I and played a significant role in the early years of the New Kingdom.
History
Aahmes-Nefertari was the first queen of the 18th dynasty of Ancient Egypt, the wife of Pharaoh Ahmose I. She was deified after her death and worshipped alongside her husband.
Powers and functions
Aahmes-Nefertari, as a deified figure, was believed to have powers associated with resurrection and the protection of deceased pharaohs in the afterlife. She was revered as a motherly guardian, ensuring the safe passage and resurrection of the souls of pharaohs and nobles. Her depictions often show her with black skin, symbolizing fertility and rebirth.
Role and Significance
As a queen, Ahmose-Nefertari held titles such as “God’s Wife of Amun,” indicating her influential role in the religious sphere. Her deification led to her being venerated as a patroness of the necropolis workers and as a protector in the afterlife. She was often invoked for her blessings and protection by the workers and their families.
Representation in Art and Iconography
In Egyptian art, Ahmose-Nefertari is frequently depicted with dark or black skin, symbolizing fertility, rebirth, and the rich, fertile soil of the Nile. This representation is quite distinctive compared to the usual red or yellow skin tones used for other figures in Egyptian art. She is often shown wearing a long, tight-fitting dress and a wig with a vulture headdress, indicating her royal status.
Impact on Culture and Legacy
The worship of Ahmose-Nefertari had a lasting impact on Egyptian religion and culture. Her cult was particularly strong in the New Kingdom and continued for centuries. Her image and status as a deified queen contributed to the role of royal women in Egyptian religion and their potential to be revered beyond their lifetimes.
Conclusion
Ahmose-Nefertari’s journey from a royal figure to a revered, almost divine entity, showcases the unique interplay between royalty and divinity in ancient Egyptian culture. Her legacy highlights the importance of royal women in ancient Egypt, not just in a political or dynastic sense, but also in religious and cultural contexts.