The Greek word "sphinx", frequently used to refer to the Egyptian statues was not the original term. The proper Egyptian designation for a statue or image of this kind was shesep-ankh ("living image").
Living Image of the King
A sphinx was a symbolic representation of the close relationship between the sun god and the king. The Ramessid royal family considered the god Seth to be their royal ancestor. On an obelisk discovered off the coast of Alexandria pharaoh Sety I is represented as a sphinx. While some rulers chose to use their own head to represent themselves, Sety I used the head of the Seth-animal. However the creature was depicted, its purpose was always to demonstrate a pharaoh’s strength and his close association to the god Ra.
Recumbent or Erect
The most common position for a sphinx was that of a guardian and protector. A representation of this nature meant the body of the sphinx was lying down. Sphinxes were meant to protect places where gods appeared, such as a temple entrance. Ahmose II was extremely active in Sais where he erected a pylon for the temple of Neith and manufactured human-headed sphinxes for a processional way. A sphinx was also positioned as a defender of Egypt, in an upright stance, representing its power to trample hostile forces underfoot.
The Great Sphinx
Arguably the most famous of all Egyptians sphinxes, there is still much debate surrounded the Great Sphinx. The human-headed lion couchant measures 72m long and 20m tall. This makes it the largest surviving statue of the ancient world. Although the sphinx is situated as a guardian at Khafra’s pyramid complex, just north of the valley temple, the basic facts about the Great Sphinx cannot be concretely argued. Who was the model for the face, when was it built and by whom, are just some of the questions still being asked.
Sphinx of Tanis
This statue was found in 1825 among the ruins of the Temple of Amun at Tanis. The sphinx is made entirely of stone with a polished surface and defined details. Hieroglyphs sculpted on the supporting block under each paw confirm the royal nature of the monument. The sphinx represents a recumbent lion with outstretched claws, giving the impression of being ready to leap. Much like the Great Sphinx, it is hard to date the work with certainty because the face does not resemble any known, well documented royal portrait. However Egyptologists believe it was created sometime between the 4th and 12th Dynasties.
Sources
Shaw, Ian. The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt. (Oxford University Press) 2000.
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