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

Overview

Provenance

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

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.

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

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

Mummy of Nesmin with plant wreath, mask, and other cartonnage elements, Mummified human body, linen, mummification material, faience? (amulets), painted and gilded cartonnage, plant remains — Mummy of Nesmin with plant wreath, mask, and other cartonnage elements
200–30 B.C.

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.