Object Details
Label
This keyhole-shaped object served as a counterpoise on a menat necklace consisting of several strands of tiny beads. At the straight end are two perforations for the attachment of bead strands. Centered near this end is the incised image of a vulture who wears a headdress and holds a flail. At the rounded end is the incised image of the kheker. This symbol is most likely a bundle of reeds bound together, forming a rosette-like design. The menat was a symbol of the goddess Hathor. The vulture incised on this example is also symbolic of the goddess Hathor, as well as of the goddess Mut.
Menat necklaces are sometimes depicted around the neck with the counterpoise hanging down between the shoulder blades; with the counterpoise extended, it could be held in the hand. As a ritual object, the necklace may have been shaken to allow the beads to connect with the counterpoise and fend off evil spirits by the noises this action created. During the festival of Hathor, the priestesses of the goddess would go from door to door shaking menats and sistra (rattle-like musical instruments) to endow the occupants of each house with the favors of life, health, and rebirth. The menat is also found in graves, where it was worn as an amulet to protect the deceased in their transition and rebirth in the afterlife.
Provenance
To 1907
Unidentified owner, Egypt, to 1907 [1]
From 1907 to 1919
Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919), purchased in Egypt from an unidentified owner in 1907 [2]
From 1920
Freer Gallery of Art, gift of Charles Lang Freer in 1920 [3]
Notes:
[1] See Original Pottery List, L. 1848, Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Archives.
[2] See note 1.
[3] The original deed of Charles Lang Freer's gift was signed in 1906. The collection was received in 1920 upon the completion of the Freer Gallery.
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Exhibition History
Charles Lang Freer and Egypt (June 13, 1998 to October 2, 2011)
Previous custodian or owner
Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919)
Credit Line
Gift of Charles Lang Freer
Date
664-332 BCE
Period
Late Period
Accession Number
F1907.28a-b
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Jewelry and Ornament
Medium
Faience (glazed composition)
Dimensions
H x W x D: 16.7 x 7.1 x 1.2 cm (6 9/16 x 2 13/16 x 1/2 in)
Origin
Egypt
Related Online Resources
Google Arts & Culture
See more items in
National Museum of Asian Art
Data Source
National Museum of Asian Art
Topic
faience
Late Period (664 - 332 BCE)
Egypt
vulture
Hathor
Menat
Ancient Egyptian Art
protection
Charles Lang Freer collection
Link to Original Record
Record ID
fsg_F1907.28a-b