Sekhmet (meaning ‘She Who is Powerful’) was the goddess of the hot desert sun, plague, chaos, war, and healing in Egyptian mythology. She was born from the fire Ra’s (god of the sun) eyes as well as created as a weapon to destroy humans for their disobedience to him and for not living in accordance with the principles of Ma’at (goddess of justice). Sekhmet was a rather terrifying goddess, however for her friends she could avert plague’s and cure disease. She was the patron of physicians and healers and was seen as the protector of the pharaohs and led them in warfare. When she was in a calmer state she would take the form of the household cat goddess Bast. The ancient Egyptians believed that Sekhmet had a cure for every problem. In order to stay on her good side, they offered her food and drink, played music for her, and burned incense. They would whisper their prayers into the ears of cat mummies and offer them to Sekhmet. They believed that this was a direct connection to the deities and their prayers would be answered. (Zuhair Murad Spring 2020 Haute Couture Collection)