Horus of Buto

Horus of Buto (also known as Horus the Behdetite or Horus of Pe) is a potent manifestation of the falcon god Horus, closely tied to the ancient northern city of Buto (Per-Wadjet), one of Egypt’s oldest and most sacred cult centres. This revered Delta city, home to the cobra goddess Wadjet, guardian of Lower Egypt, was steeped in the divine symbolism of kingship and celestial protection.

In temple reliefs from the later periods, particularly under the Greco-Roman rulers, Horus of Buto appears in a striking form: lion-headed, radiant with solar ferocity.

This dramatic fusion of falcon and lion does not replace his traditional role but accentuates his wrathful, avenging aspect; aligning him with other fiery deities such as Sekhmet and Ra-Horakhty.

At sites like Edfu and Dendera, this leonine Horus is shown in vivid battle scenes, smiting the forces of chaos and foreign foes, his roaring presence a divine conflagration. Such imagery evokes not only his might in war, but his sacred duty as the blazing protector of Ma’at, striking down disorder with regal fury.

This powerful bronze statue, now housed in the Cincinnati Art Museum (1957.149), depicted Horus of Buto enthroned, with a commanding lion’s head crowned by a large uraeus cobra, symbolising divine kingship and the burning eye of the sun. This fierce visage connects him with other leonine deities like Sekhmet or Mahes, representing divine vengeance and protection.

In his right hand, the figure holds what appears to be a ritual implement or divine sceptre. Such statuary would likely have stood within temple sanctuaries or chapels, where it may have received offerings or formed part of ceremonial processions. The use of bronze, a sacred metal associated with eternity and divine power, reinforces its ritual significance.