Aegis of Bastet

The aegis is an object that comprises the bust of a deity with a broad collar below it. A menat, a counterpoise that hangs at the back of the neck, hangs behind the aegis and balances the weight of the heavy, elaborate collar on the chest. The aegis-menat combination was not only a personal adornment but also played an important role in cult. It was a protective symbol and was used in rituals and festivals; the head allowed the deity to inhabit the ritual instrument and thus take part in the ceremonies.
In this case, a lion-headed goddess is represented wearing a sun disk. These types of ritual objects are most closely associated with goddesses, especially Bastet, who may be shown here in her leonine form. This aegis has a large suspension loop at the back, possibly for use as an amulet. It also could have been held by a goddess, such as Bastet, who is frequently shown in copper alloy carrying aegises with anthropomorphic female or lion heads.