The Great Sphinx of Giza, or Hor-em-akhet, is not only an icon of ancient Kemet but also the centerpiece of heated debates about its African origins. From Dominique Vivant Denon’s 1798 sketches to modern analyses, the Sphinx appears to bear the features of a Black African, challenging traditional narratives. Let’s dive into the captivating story of the Sphinx and uncover the hidden truths about its African heritage!
In 1798, French artist and archaeologist Dominique Vivant Denon captured the Great Sphinx of Giza in a drawing and written account, later published in the Universal Magazine in 1803. He described it as follows: “Though its proportions are colossal, the outline is pure and graceful; the expression of the head is mild, gracious, and tranquil. The character is African, the mouth and lips thick, with a softness and delicacy of execution truly admirable; it seems real life and flesh.” Denon emphasized that the artistry of the Sphinx reflected a civilization at its peak, showcasing a refined naturalism and style surpassing Greek standards, hinting at a deeply African identity.
Over a century later, a 1992 New York Times article reignited debate about the Sphinx’s origins. In “The Case of the Missing Pharaoh” (June 27, 1992), researcher John Anthony West argued that the Sphinx’s face does not resemble Pharaoh Chephren, traditionally credited with its creation. Using techniques akin to orthodontic and surgical facial analysis, West and detective Frank Domingo found that the Sphinx’s weathered profile showed signs of “bimaxillary prognathism” – forward development of both jaws, a trait more common among African populations than those of Asian or European descent. In contrast, Chephren’s statues in the Cairo Museum display facial proportions typical of European archetypes.
This analysis supports the theory that the Sphinx likely represents a Black African, reflecting an earlier period in Kemet’s history when Africans may have dominated the region. Ancient Egyptians were a mix of African and Mediterranean ancestry, but the Sphinx’s distinctly African features suggest it could predate Chephren’s reign (circa 2558–2532 BCE), rooted in a time of stronger African influence. This challenges traditional assumptions about the Sphinx’s creation and opens the possibility of an even older origin tied to Kemet’s African heritage.
These findings not only shed light on the Sphinx’s identity but also celebrate the African legacy within Kemet’s civilization. The Sphinx, with its majestic and enigmatic presence, stands as a testament to the richness and complexity of African history, often overshadowed by eurocentric narratives.
The Great Sphinx is more than an architectural marvel; it’s a symbol of Kemet’s profound African roots. With its African features documented from the 18th century to modern analyses, the Sphinx invites us to rethink history and honor Africa’s vibrant legacy. Are you captivated by the Sphinx’s mysteries?