Aegis of Sakhmet or Bastet

Unknown

664–30 B.C. · Faience · Egyptian Art

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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

664–30 B.C.

Medium

Faience

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Gift of Helen Miller Gould, 1910