Cane, cow-headed serpent

Unknown

100 BC–100 AD · Glass · Egyptian Art

A mosaic glass technique allowed multiples of an image to be created: a figural or design composition was made by bundling colored glass canes, which were then drawn out into a long bar like this partially preserved example. The bar was then sectioned at right angles, probably by striking the bar with appropriate tools, to produce small inlay tiles. The tile would then be smoothed and polished on the face intended to appear outwards. The cow-headed serpent here may represent Isis-Hathor, although there is no crown to support the identification.

Artist

Unknown

Date

100 BC–100 AD

Medium

Glass

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917