Sphinx of Memphis

The Alabaster Sphinx was discovered in 1912 when an affiliate from the British School in America spotted a uniquely carved object jutting out of a sand hill. It was so far in the season that excavation was useless, but a year later in 1913 digging further displayed that the object was the Sphinx's tail.[2]

The Sphinx of Memphis is also referred to as the Alabaster Sphinx of Memphis, or the Calcite Sphinx. These names are derived from the white yellowish stone called calcite which is very similar to alabaster.[3] Calcite is a simple and standard material on earth and has been mined for centuries.[3] This natural resource was considered to be beautiful and was accepted in ancient Egypt to have a mystical solar connection.[3] The Alabaster Sphinx of Memphis is the largest calcite statue ever discovered.[4]

With a length of 8 m (26 ft) and a height of 4 m (13 ft), the Sphinx of Memphis is considerably smaller than the more recognized Great Sphinx of Giza. At those dimensions, it is estimated to weigh around 90 tons.[1] It is supported by a foundation that makes it appear to rise out of the sand.[5] Particularly unusual about the Sphinx of Memphis are the striations on its left side, which are uncommon on Egyptian monuments.[6]

As years passed from the sphinx's creation, people ravaged Memphite temples and the Sphinx of Memphis is one of the few masterpieces that survived this pillaging.[7] During its time this statue was also displayed near a temple in honor of Ptah. Ptah was the creator of the world to the Egyptians.[8]