NEFERTEM

also spelled Nefertum, or Nefertemu, in ancient Egyptian religion, youthful god associated with the lotus flower. Nefertem was an ancient god, mentioned in the Pyramid Texts (c. 2350 BC), but he became more prominent during the New Kingdom (1539c. 1075 BC) and later. As a lotus he was believed to have emerged from the primeval waters, and he was connected with the sun god because lotus flowers open in the sun. He also had a warlike aspect and could be depicted as a lion. He was most commonly represented holding a scimitar with a falcon's head and wearing a headdress of a lotus with a menat (ritual necklace counterpoise) on each side and a pair of plumes above.