The Goddess Taweret with a Feline Head

Late Period

664–332 B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 127

In this depiction of Taweret, the goddess is shown with a feline head and on top of her head seems to be a small animal. As usual her massive hippopotamus torso includes the pendulous breasts of a woman, while the tail of a crocodile is on her back. Her human arms end in the paws of a lion and she stands upright on the legs of a lion. This hybrid creature combines the elements of dangerous and fertile creatures, perfect for a goddess that was meant to protect women and their children. In front of her legs is the sa-symbol, a protective loop that was also used as a hieroglyph to write the word for "protection" and for "amulet." The object here is a very small figurine that might have been used as a protective amulet, but it is also possible that it was a personal object of adoration or a gift to Taweret expressing the hope for her help and protection.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: The Goddess Taweret with a Feline Head
Period: Late Period
Dynasty: Dynasty 26–30
Date: 664–332 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt
Medium: Faience
Dimensions: H. 6.1 × W. 1.9 × D. 2.2 cm (2 3/8 × 3/4 × 7/8 in.)
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Frederick F. Thompson, 1915
Object Number: 15.6.9
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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