Aegis of Sakhmet or Bastet

Late Period–Ptolemaic Period

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 134

An aegis is a collarlike necklace (often called a broad-collar) bearing a divine head as symbol of protection and fertility. The aegis was an element of a sacred menat necklace from at least the 18th dynasty. Heads of Lion- or cat-headed goddesses were most frequently depicted, but other goddesses and some gods might appear.

Small faience examples like this one might serve as amulets.

Aegis of Sakhmet or Bastet, Faience

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