The ichneumon or the mongoose is known to be the enemy of snakes and can fight them. The god of the sun Re-Atum, could be transformed into an ichneumon, to destroy evil (snakes). Thus, the ichneumon was worshipped by the people as the "figure of Re." This statue might have been placed in a shrine or niche in a cult place to protect the deceased against evil (snakes) and darkness. The ichneumon is depicted standing on a column with its forelegs raised, as if warding off evil and snakes.