Neit
Neit was a powerful goddess with many different aspects, but was perhaps best known in the first millennium BC as the goddess of the powerful city of Sais in the Delta. In copper alloy she is represented in anthropomorphic form. She wears the red crown, otherwise known as the Lower Egyptian crown, and the long form-fitting dress common to many goddesses. Her arm position suggests that she may have held a scepter in her outstretched hand and perhaps an ankh sign in the other. Sometimes on more elaborate figures, her crown is striped, usually with precious metal inlay, as seen on 26.7.846.
Although Neit was worshipped from the beginning of Egyptian history to the end, her cult grew to great prominence in the 26th dynasty, when her cult center Sais became the capital of the Saite dynasty kings. The many statuettes of this goddess attest to her popularity as a dedication in the 26th dynasty and later.
Although Neit was worshipped from the beginning of Egyptian history to the end, her cult grew to great prominence in the 26th dynasty, when her cult center Sais became the capital of the Saite dynasty kings. The many statuettes of this goddess attest to her popularity as a dedication in the 26th dynasty and later.
Artwork Details
- Title: Neit
- Period: Late Period
- Date: 664–332 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt
- Medium: Cupreous metal
- Dimensions: H. 17.8 cm (7 in.); W. 3.9 cm (1 9/16 in.); D. 7.6 cm (3 in.)
H. (with tang): 19.4 cm (7 5/8 in.) - Credit Line: Gift of Darius Ogden Mills, 1904
- Object Number: 04.2.449
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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550–300 B.C.
ca. 945–712 BCE
332–30 BCE
390–246 BCE
610–595 B.C.
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