Nefertum is the third member of the Memphite Triad. He is the Son of Ptah and Sekhmet. Nefertem is the Name of Netjer that is represented by the lue lotus (nymphaea cerulea). Nefertum is usually represented as a man or young boy with a lotus flower on His head. Sometimes within this headdress, there are also represented two plumes and two necklace counterpoises, which are symbols of fertility and are connected with HetHert. In the statue below he is shown also with the Khopesh, or curved sword. He has also been shown with an ankh or the lotus scepter surmounted by plumes. The Greeks gave Him the name of Ipthtimis

The Sun was believed to have arisen from a lotus, and Nefertum was intimately linked with Ra. In Utterance 266, Nefertum is described as 'the lotus blossom before the nose of Ra.'


Bronze statue of Nefertum inlaid with silver & Gold

Nefertum's connection with lotuses also made Him the Netjer of Perfumes. His Name is believed to mean "the Young Tem" or " Tem the Younger". This Name suggests that He was also regarded as the first incarnation of Tem at Heliopolis.