Aegis of Sakhmet or Bastet

Late Period–Ptolemaic Period
664–30 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 134
An aegis is a collarlike necklace (often called a broad-collar) bearing a divine head as symbol of protection and fertility. The aegis was an element of a sacred menat necklace from at least the 18th dynasty. Heads of Lion- or cat-headed goddesses were most frequently depicted, but other goddesses and some gods might appear.

Small faience examples like this one might serve as amulets.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Aegis of Sakhmet or Bastet
  • Period: Late Period–Ptolemaic Period
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 21–30
  • Date: 664–30 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Faience
  • Dimensions: H. 3.7 cm (1 7/16 in); w. 3 cm (1 3/16 in)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Helen Miller Gould, 1910
  • Object Number: 10.130.2055
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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