Nekhbet, also spelled Nekhmet, is an ancient Egyptian goddess of Upper Egypt, and is depicted as a vulture or as a woman with the head of a vulture. She was considered to be the patron goddess of Upper Egypt and was often depicted as the protector of the pharaohs and the vulture on the forehead of the pharaohs symbolizes her protection. Her cult center was located in the city of Nekhbet, where she was worshiped as the protector of the kingdom.
Nekhbet was also considered to be the protector of women and children, and was often depicted in amulets and statues as a way for women and children to seek her protection. She was considered to be the goddess of childbirth and fertility, and her cult was associated with the protection of newborns and the safety of pregnant women.
Nekhbet was also associated with the concept of health and well-being in ancient Egypt. She was believed to have the power to heal and protect people from disease and illness, and her cult was often associated with the practice of medicine and the healing arts. Her temple in Nekhbet was a famous center for the treatment of eye diseases and the people would honor her by offering her gifts, such as statues and amulets.
In addition to her role as a goddess of protection and health, Nekhbet was also associated with the concept of the afterlife. She was believed to be the one who guided the souls of the dead through the underworld and was often depicted on the coffins of the deceased as a protector of the dead.