Ash was during the first dynasties connected to the foundations of royal estates. Later he was also the protector of the western desert and all oases and sometimes cal- led "The lord of Libya". His history goes back to the early dynastic times and he was the very first god ever to be depicted with a human body and an animal's head. In the second dynasty during the rule of king Peribsen he was thus shown on seals wearing the white crown of Upper Egypt. As caretaker of the desert areas he was very alike (almost identical to) Set, who also had duties in these areas. Apart from his possibly three different heads (falcon, lion and cobra) he could also wear Set's pig like one (picture upper right). By the advent of the Old Kingdom his fame was declining and he was replaced by Set.
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