Neit suckling two crocodiles

Late Period–Ptolemaic Period

664–30 B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 134

Neit was a great creator goddess, and was not linked with any partner except primarily her son Tutu. She was also closely associated with crocodiles: Sobek was considered her son and at Esna she had a second crocodile son Shemanefer. Small amulets like this one where she nurses two crocodiles may represent her as a creator goddess where the crocodiles represent the sun and the moon, or the animals may refer to her two crocodile sons Sobek and Shemanefer.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Neit suckling two crocodiles
Period: Late Period–Ptolemaic Period
Date: 664–30 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt
Medium: Faience
Dimensions: h. 4 cm (1 9/16 in.)
Credit Line: Gift of Lily S. Place, 1921
Object Number: 21.6.46
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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