Headrest
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.This object is not part of The Met collection. It was in the Museum for a special exhibition and has been returned to the lender.
A headrest is the ancient Egyptian equivalent of a pillow. Here, the upper support is held by two amulets in the elegant shape of a knotted sash with pendant arms that is associated with the goddess Isis. Night was considered a time of danger for both the living and the dead, requiring a headrest that provided not only physical support but also magical protection.
A headrest is the ancient Egyptian equivalent of a pillow. Here, the upper support is held by two amulets in the elegant shape of a knotted sash with pendant arms that is associated with the goddess Isis. Night was considered a time of danger for both the living and the dead, requiring a headrest that provided not only physical support but also magical protection.
Artwork Details
- Title: Headrest
- Period: Middle Kingdom
- Dynasty: Dynasty 12
- Date: ca. 1981-1802 B.C.
- Geography: Possibly from Egypt, El-Bersha
- Medium: Ivory
- Dimensions: 6 1/8 × 7 1/4 × 2 5/8 in. (15.5 × 18.4 × 6.7 cm)
- Credit Line: The Trustees of the British Museum, London
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art