Head of Horus for attachment

Late Period–Ptolemaic Period

664–30 B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 134

The head of the falcon god Horus is shown here wearing the double crown of Egypt. This royal crown symbolizes the union of Lower and Upper Egypt, and highlights Horus’ role as the legitimate ruler of the entire land. The craftsmanship of this piece is easily visible, not just in the details of the wig, face, and crown, or the gilding.

The red crown fits over a cylindrical flange extending from the top of the falcon head. The white crown has a flange extending from its underside that is inserted into the top of the red crown. It is stabilized by an extension running through the red crown and into the hollow interior of the falcon head. For another complex crown construction technique, see 04.2.445.

The head is an attachment that would have been part of a larger piece of cult equipment.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Head of Horus for attachment
Period: Late Period–Ptolemaic Period
Date: 664–30 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt
Medium: Cupreous metal, precious metal leaf
Dimensions: H. 11.9 cm (4 11/16 in.); W. 4.6 cm (1 13/16 in.); D. 5 cm (1 15/16 in.)
H. (with tang): 14.3 cm (5 5/8 in.)
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1952
Object Number: 52.95.2a, b
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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