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Fragments of a menat amulet
Nubian
Napatan Period, reign of Taharqa
690–664 B.C.
Findspot: Nubia (Sudan), Nuri, Pyramid 1 (tomb of Taharqa)
Medium/Technique
Faience
Dimensions
Largest: length x width x thickness: 4.8 x 3.9 x 1.2 cm (1 7/8 x 1 9/16 x 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number16-11-71
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Amulets
DescriptionThese two fragments come from an amulet known as a menat. The menat, or counterweight to a broad collar, was sacred to the goddess Hathor. It was a popular protective amulet,and large numbers were founf in the Nubian royal tombs. Most examples, like this one, were made of bluish-green faience.
ProvenanceFrom Nuri, pyramid 1 (tomb of Taharqa). 1916: excavated by the Harvard University–Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition; assigned to the MFA in the division of finds by the government of Sudan.