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Amulet of Neith
Egyptian
Late Period–Hellenistic Period (Ptolemaic Dynast
664–30 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Lapis lazuli
Dimensions
Height: 3.9 cm (1 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Hay Collection—Gift of C. Granville Way
Accession Number72.1313
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Amulets
DescriptionThis amulet of lapis lazuli portrays a standing figure of the ancient war goddess of the Delta region, Neith. She wears a long sheath dress and her characteristic headgear, the red crown of Lower Egypt. Since Neith was one of the four goddesses who protected the organs of the dead, amulets like this one were believed to offer protection and power to the deceased. There is a hole on the back for suspension.
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.