Head: part of a votive necklace

This portion of a votive menat or necklace is in the form of a head of a goddess shown flat in profile on both sides, wearing over a tripartite wig the vulture head-dress of Mut. The body of the vulture is hatched with small strokes and the feathering of the wings is also indicated. At the rear a small lug represents the tail feathers; at the front is a uraeus (cobra head). The lobe of each ear has a small indentation indicating piercing. On the crown of the head is a modius coronet surmounted by a striated and perforated suspension lug. The surface of the faience is bright turquoise.

The menat or menit was a necklace sacred to Hathor, usually worn by the priestess of the deity. Its counterpoise was meant to be suspended behind the neck. The goddess represented on this example is Hathor or another deity associated or identified with her; Isis for example.

The perforation of the ears and the style of the portraiture with is very modest chin suggest a date in the Third Intermediate Period.