Aspects of Continuity and Change in the Representation of the Goddess Tayt

Abstract

The Egyptian goddess Tayt has always been connected with weaving, linen, and the clothing of the deities. Overall, one can observe a clear continuity in the depiction of Tayt in a purely anthropomorphic form from its earlier occurrences during the New Kingdom well into Roman times. However, during the Late and the Ptolemaic-Roman Period Tayt appears in several different forms, she is at times represented with the head of a lioness or with a cobra’s head. The article takes an in-depth look at the various occasions in which discontinuity can be observed in the traditional portrayal of the goddess and aims to provide answers to the various reasons and implications behind this change in appearance.