Aegis with the head of a goddess
Traditionally called an aegis, after Athena’s breastplate, this object consists of a broad collar, with concentric bands engraved with geometricized plant motifs, a horizontal band at the upper edge filled with dolar cobras, and falcon-headed terminals. Worn in festival, ritual, and funerary contexts, broad collars symbolized protection and regeneration.
On top of the collar is the head of a goddess wearing a tripartite wig with a vulture headdress and a modius of uraei surmounted by a sun disk between lyre-shaped horns—attributes associated with both Isis and Hathor. Her inlaid eyes enliven her divine presence. The scarab with a shen ring between her wig’s lappets symbolizes rebirth and eternity.
A rough edge and attachment rings indicate this was once part of an aegis-menat—a ritual necklace with a counterpoise used in ceremonies honoring deities like Isis, Hathor, and Bastet. Aegis-menats were carried by royal or divine women and used in cult rituals to call forth divine protection. Though the goddess's identity remains uncertain, the object would have invoked her presence during ritual performances.
For an example of a menat of the type that might have been attached to this aegis, see MMA 08.202.15.
On top of the collar is the head of a goddess wearing a tripartite wig with a vulture headdress and a modius of uraei surmounted by a sun disk between lyre-shaped horns—attributes associated with both Isis and Hathor. Her inlaid eyes enliven her divine presence. The scarab with a shen ring between her wig’s lappets symbolizes rebirth and eternity.
A rough edge and attachment rings indicate this was once part of an aegis-menat—a ritual necklace with a counterpoise used in ceremonies honoring deities like Isis, Hathor, and Bastet. Aegis-menats were carried by royal or divine women and used in cult rituals to call forth divine protection. Though the goddess's identity remains uncertain, the object would have invoked her presence during ritual performances.
For an example of a menat of the type that might have been attached to this aegis, see MMA 08.202.15.
Artwork Details
- Title: Aegis with the head of a goddess
- Period: Third Intermediate Period–Late Period
- Dynasty: Dynasty 22–late Dynasty 26
- Date: ca. 924–600 BCE
- Geography: From Egypt
- Medium: Cupreous metal; stone, paint
- Dimensions: H. 22.5 × W. 18 cm (8 7/8 × 7 1/16 in.)
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1948
- Object Number: 48.73
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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ca. 872–664 BCE
664–525 BCE
246–222 B.C.
550–300 B.C.
ca. 733–664 BCE
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