Scarab with the Representation of Hathor as Cow
Third Intermediate Period or Late Period
The underside of the scarab is incised with a representation of a recumbent cow, a papyrus thicket and the hieroglyph for protection. This combination of motifs and signs may call upon the protection of a cow goddess. Goddesses such as Hathor, Hesat and Mehet-Weret use bovine representations, which are relatively rare on seal-amulets, but when found are generally of Third Intermediate Period (ca. 1070-664 B.C.) to Late Period (ca. 664-525 B.C.) date. The papyrus thicket is closely associated with the marshes of the Nile Delta, as is the goddess Hathor and so it is likely that this sacred cow refers to Hathor.
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