Mirror with Handle in the Form of a Hathor Emblem

Period: New Kingdom

Dynasty: Dynasty 18

Reign: reign of Thutmose III

Date: ca. 1479–1425 B.C.

Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Wadi Gabbanat el-Qurud, Wadi D, Tomb of the 3 Foreign Wives of Thutmose III

Medium: Disk: silver; handle: wood (modern) sheathed in gold (ancient)

Dimensions: H. 29.3 cm (11 9/16 in.); W. of disk 14.2 cm (5 9/16 in.); D. 3 cm (1 3/16 in.)

Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1919, 1920

Accession Number: 26.8.97

Description

The handle of this mirror was originally made of wood (now restored) covered with gold foil. The woman's face with cow's ears represents the goddess Bat and is also an emblem of the goddess Hathor. The use of gold and silver, rather than wood and bronze, identifies this as the possession of a member of the elite, in this case one of three foreign wives of Thutmose III. The king's cartouche is inscribed above the face.

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