Hathor head amulet
Unknown Artist
ca. 1550–525 B.C.
Medium
faience
Dimensions
H. 1.8 cm (11/16 in.)
Classification
Amulet, Hathor-head
Period
New Kingdom–Late Period
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Joan B. Robbins, 2012
Accession Number
2012.237.2
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate Hathor head amulet crafted around 1550–525 B.C. during Egypt's New Kingdom through Late Period (specifically Dynasty 26), captures the essence of one of ancient Egypt's most beloved deities. Hathor, often depicted with cow horns and a sun disk, embodied love, music, motherhood, and protection. Small amulets like this—standing just 1.8 cm tall—were worn as personal talismans, believed to invoke her benevolent powers against misfortune and to ensure fertility, joy, and safe passage in the afterlife. Made of faience, a quintessential Egyptian material of crushed quartz glazed to mi...