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Tutankhamun: Anatomy of an Excavation
The Howard Carter Archives
Photographs by Harry Burton
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Carter No.: 403c

Handlist description: Head-rest

Card/Transcription No.: 403c-3


(403, C) continued

The caryatid figure of the God Shu

<> Šw Shu, the god of the air.

<> 'protection'.(1)

The god Shu is a member of the heavenly deities. He is frequently called Onuris, supporter of the heavens, who raised up and supports the sky. He is also represented as a column of air, and in him may be seen the god of atmosphere which lies between heaven and earth. It was Shu who separated Nut (the sky goddess) and Keb (the earth god). He thrust himself between them, and raised Nut into the heights; with her he raised all the gods that had hitherto been created, and Nut took possession of them, and made them into stars. Onuris (Abydos) 'the supporter of the heavens', who is called Shu in many localities, is a protector1 against foes and evil spirits; in the eye of the people he became a god who bears human burdens. Standing figures of Shu have sometimes <> on his head. = (?) 'strength' <> the lions (couchant) are sacred to Horus. In some way they are connected with the

Card no. 403c-3 relating to Carter no. 403c
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Tutankhamun: Anatomy of an Excavation
Concept & Direction: Jaromir Malek
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Scanning & transcript: Sue Hutchison, Elizabeth Miles, Diana Magee, Kent Rawlinson