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

Overview

Provenance

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

More Artwork

In the same gallery

In the same medium

From the same time and place

A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

Fragment of Sistrum Handle with the name of Amasis, Blue faience — Fragment of Sistrum Handle with the name of Amasis
570–526 B.C.

Inlay Depicting a Falcon with Spread Wings, Faience — Inlay Depicting a Falcon with Spread Wings
4th century B.C.

Inlay of the Horus falcon on the hieroglyph for "gold", Faience — Inlay of the Horus falcon on the hieroglyph for "gold"
360–343 BCE

Amulet of a lion-headed Bastet, Faience — Amulet of a lion-headed Bastet
ca. 872–664 BCE

Figure of a Baboon, Faience — Figure of a Baboon
664–525 BCE

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.