Seeking Sekhmet

Abstract

Despite their seemingly secular location within numerous museums across the globe, ancient statues of the Egyptian goddess Sekhmet have become focal points of contemporary spiritual pilgrimages for those seeking knowledge of “Herstory” and the numinous. The purported experiences of Goddess devotees indicate the development of a canon of reception which regards museums as both educational resources and houses of the sacred. This article examines the intersection of contemporary Goddess Spirituality with museum exhibits featuring statues of Sekhmet, considering the implications of secular institutions housing artifacts deemed of sacred significance. It will conclude by outlining how the engagement of special interest groups, such as Goddess devotees, present specific concerns, as well as potential benefits to the heritage industry.