The Sphinx

The Great Sphinx of Giza, is on the Giza Plateau on the west bank of the Nile River, facing due east. The face of the Great Sphinx is believed to be the head of the pharaoh Khafra (often known by the Greek version of his name, Chephren) or possibly that of his son, the Pharaoh Djedefra, which would date its construction from the fourth dynasty (2723 BC to 2563 BC). However, there is some geological opinion, based of the (water) weathering of the stones of the Sphinx that the monument is perhaps much older.

The Sphinx Dream Stela, between the paws of the Sphinx, tells the story of how a young Prince Tuthmosis (son of Amenhotep II) was hunting in the desert and he stopped for a rest between the Sphinx's paws. The Sphinx was almost covered in sand. Tuthmosis fell asleep. In his dream the Sphinx spoke to him, promising him the throne of Egypt if he would clear the sand away. Tuthmosis cleared the sand, and the Sphinx made him Pharaoh of Egypt, Tuthmosis IV.

Here are some additional images: Hypothetical Excavation from 1924 (when the Sphinx was still mostly buried) Colorized glass plate photo from 1905 and another view. You can see that the current headress has undergone much restoration.