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Primary sourceArtifact

Relief Fragment Depicting Atum and Hatshepsut

A carved stone fragment showing Hatshepsut in the presence of the creator god Atum.

Depicts her in direct contact with the god Atum, asserting her status and authority as pharaoh.

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Photograph of a pale limestone relief fragment with traces of red paint. At left, a carved profile of a figure wearing a tall crown and striped headcloth, with a raised arm and hand. At top, a carved spiral and hieroglyphic signs remain. The edges of the stone are broken and rough.
Relief fragment depicting Atum and Hatshepsut. Limestone with traces of paint.

About this source

What it is

This is a fragment of a limestone relief with traces of red paint, carved with a profile figure wearing a tall crown and striped headcloth, alongside hieroglyphic signs. It depicts the creator god Atum together with Hatshepsut.

Why it matters

Being shown in direct contact with a major creator god like Atum was a privilege usually claimed by kings. This fragment reflects how Hatshepsut presented herself with the full authority and imagery of a pharaoh, despite being a woman ruling in a role usually held by men.

Look closer

  • What details in the carving suggest royal or divine status?
  • Why might Hatshepsut have wanted to be shown with a god like Atum?
  • What is missing from this broken fragment that might have told us more?

This artifact is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Hatshepsut on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Secondary source

Hatshepsut Dancing Before Min, Karnak Relief

Carole Reeves · 1989

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Primary source

Punt Expedition Reliefs

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Primary source

Sculpture Head Probably of Hatshepsut

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Primary source

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c. 1466 BCE

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