‘Sekhmet’ by Joy BC 2021. Recycled 18ct yellow gold and natural golden diamond representing the ‘sun-disk’. The Goddess of warfare and healing, Sekhmet is depicted as part human, Part Lioness. The premise of this piece, which is part of my the body of work on Metamorphosis, is that when the wearer puts on the golden lioness skin, you transform- part lioness, part human. Psychologically, talismans have been used for centuries as ways of mental transformation. Many stories throughout history depict hero’s wearing animal skins to be empowered- take Alexander the Great with the lion helmet or Hercules and the Golden Fleece. The Egyptians believed that the lioness was the greatest hunter, which, in part is true. It is the female lion that does all the Hunting cub rearing- yet it is predominantly male lions which have been depicted in artworks as the fiercest and most powerful. This piece is a modern interpretation of an ancient sentiment. The paws on the back are also carved on the inside. . . . #artjewellery #artistjewel #goldsmith