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Head of a cow
Egyptian
Hellenistic Period (Ptolemaic dynasty)–Roman Imp
332 B.C.–A.D. 364
Medium/Technique
Pottery (terracotta)
Dimensions
Height x width: 14.7 x 10.4 cm (5 13/16 x 4 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Hay Collection—Gift of C. Granville Way
Accession Number72.1599
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsSculpture
DescriptionThis terracotta head of a cow was mold-made. The cow's head is topped by sun disk between horns, likely to represent the goddess Hathor in bovine form. It is hollow with the original open bottom. The proper right side of the neck is missing. There are breaks in proper left ear and side of sun disk. Traces of color or surface treatments are not evident. It is heavily worn.
ProvenanceBy 1836: Robert Hay Collection, Linplum, Scotland; 1863: to his son, Robert James Alexander Hay; 1868-1872: Way Collection,Boston (purchased by Samuel A. Way through London dealers Rollin and Feuardent, 27 Haymarket); 1872: given to the MFA by Samuel's son, C. Granville Way.
(Accession date: June 28, 1872)
(Accession date: June 28, 1872)