Returned to lender The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Headrest
Middle Kingdom
Not on view
This object is not part of The Met collection. It was in the Museum for a special exhibition and has been returned to the lender.
A headrest is the ancient Egyptian equivalent of a pillow. Here, the upper support is held by two amulets in the elegant shape of a knotted sash with pendant arms that is associated with the goddess Isis. Night was considered a time of danger for both the living and the dead, requiring a headrest that provided not only physical support but also magical protection.
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