Hathor emblem from a sistrum

Late Period
ca. 664–332 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 130
Both sides of this piece show a triangular-shaped frontal face with cow’s ears. The face is surrounded by a straight wig bound at intervals with horizontal ribbons. Underneath it is an elaborate collar composed of several rows of floral elements as well as tube and drop beads. On either side of the face is a uraeus with a tall crown. The crowns are damaged but can be reconstructed as the crown of Upper Egypt on one side and that of Lower Egypt on the other.

This piece depicts the so called Hathor emblem and was originally part of a sistrum, a musical instrument that was used in rituals.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Hathor emblem from a sistrum
  • Period: Late Period
  • Date: ca. 664–332 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Faience
  • Dimensions: H. 6.7 × W. 5.5 × D. 2.7 cm (2 5/8 × 2 3/16 × 1 1/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Nanette B. Kelekian, 2020
  • Object Number: 2021.41.103
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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