Editing Resheph (section)

====Iconography====
[[File:Reshef MET 89.2.215 EGDP011775.jpg|thumb|An Egyptian depiction of Resheph as a "menacing god" brandishing a weapon and holding a shield. [[Metropolitan Museum of Art]].]]
Christiane Zivie-Coche notes that as in the case of other foreign deities incorporated into the [[Egyptian pantheon]], Resheph's Egyptian iconography was primarily meant to illustrate his functions, rather than his place of origin.{{sfn|Zivie-Coche|2011|p=6}} However, it has been argued that the kilt with tassels he was usually depicted in marked him as a foreign deity.{{sfn|Cornelius|1994|p=240}} He was often portrayed as a so-called “menacing god”, with one arm raised above head and brandishing a weapon.{{sfn|Cornelius|1994|p=245}} His attributes include a shield, a bow and arrows.{{sfn|Zivie-Coche|2011|p=6}} Despite his character, he was never depicted attacking enemies, and seemingly art highlighted his protective aspect.{{sfn|Cornelius|1994|p=259}} Sometimes a [[lute]] could serve as one of his symbols.{{sfn|Hoffmeier|Kitchen|2007|p=133}} One example of a stele depicting him with this instrument on his back, presumed to originate in Hurbeit, has been identified in the collection of the [[Roemer- und Pelizaeus-Museum Hildesheim]].{{sfn|Cornelius|1994|p=28}}

Resheph could be depicted either with a fake beard similar to those known from depictions of [[Osiris]], or with a thick natural beard typical for depictions of foreigners.{{sfn|Cornelius|1994|p=248}} In the latter case he could also be shown with long hair.{{sfn|Hoffmeier|Kitchen|2007|p=133}} One of the inscriptions identified on objects originating in [[Deir el-Medina]] states that he had a “beautiful face”.{{sfn|Cornelius|1994|pp=39-40}}

For uncertain reasons, the [[gazelle]] was associated with Resheph in Egypt.{{sfn|Cornelius|1994|p=262}} However, the connection with this animal was not exclusive to him, as it also served as a symbol of [[Shed (deity)|Shed]].{{sfn|Zivie-Coche|2011|p=6}} The iconography of these two gods is however otherwise “totally different”.{{sfn|Cornelius|1994|p=16}} A gazelle head could be depicted on Resheph's [[white crown]] in place of an [[uraeus]],{{sfn|Zivie-Coche|2011|p=6}} though in some cases the latter decoration is attested too.{{sfn|Cornelius|1994|p=247}} In a single case similar headwear dedicated with a gazelle has been assigned to the god Keserty, who according to Izak Cornelius should be identified as [[Kothar-wa-Khasis]] rather than Resheph.{{sfn|Cornelius|1994|p=16}} An association between Resheph and horses is also attested, and presumably reflected his military prowess.{{sfn|Cornelius|1994|p=239}} Depictions of Resheph as a charioteer or horseman might represent an exclusively Egyptian tradition.{{sfn|Cornelius|1994|p=243}}