Limestone stele (shaft) with the head of Hathor

Unknown

2nd quarter of the 6th century BCE · Limestone · Greek and Roman Art

The lower part of the shaft has been cut off; two dowel holes on the upper surface permitted an additional element to be fastened. Stone shafts incorporating the head of the Egyptian goddess Hathor occur particularly often at Amathus. Their appearance may be connected with the advent of Egyptian rule over the island. They played a role in the cult of the Great Goddess of Cyprus who, like Hathor, afforded protection against death and harm. The shafts also occur in funerary contexts.

Artist

Unknown

Date

2nd quarter of the 6th century BCE

Medium

Limestone

Culture

Cypriot

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76