Menat counterpoise for attachment to the missing aegis of a goddess
The upper part of this menat depicts an elaborate light shrine with a goddess inside in precious metal inlay. Two small columns formed from Hathor emblem capitals above an open lotus and papyrus-bundle half-column support the roof. Its cornice is emblazoned with a winged sun-disk, and above a frontal Hathor emblem and two seated cats may be seen. The goddess beneath the shrine is labeled "the god's mother" and described as "residing in Sedjem(?)." Her sistrum-box crown, unusually here with plant decoration, indicates she is Nebethetepet, associated with Hathor and a kind of personification of the original creative act performed by the god Atum. On the roundel of the menat the falcon Horus may be seen among in a clump of papyrus in the marshes where he was hidden by his mother, Isis and sometimes Hathor, for safety.
This menat was part of a compound item that included a large aegis – a god’s head above a collar – affixed to the front. This form developed from menats with attached goddess heads. When the latter type was held in the hand at the side, the divine face and collar, essentially an aegis, was directed toward the ground – an undesirable effect. The compound aegis-menat instead sets the divine head at right angles to the menat.
This menat was part of a compound item that included a large aegis – a god’s head above a collar – affixed to the front. This form developed from menats with attached goddess heads. When the latter type was held in the hand at the side, the divine face and collar, essentially an aegis, was directed toward the ground – an undesirable effect. The compound aegis-menat instead sets the divine head at right angles to the menat.
Artwork Details
- Title: Menat counterpoise for attachment to the missing aegis of a goddess
- Period: Third Intermediate Period–Late Period
- Dynasty: Dynasty 22–26
- Date: ca. 800–525 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt
- Medium: Cupreous metal, gold inlay
- Dimensions: H. 19.1 cm (7 1/2 in.); W. 9.7 cm (3 13/16 in.); D. 4.2 cm (1 5/8 in.)
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1908
- Object Number: 08.202.15
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
246–222 B.C.
550–300 B.C.
ca. 733–664 BCE
ca. 945–712 BCE
ca. 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.