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Amulet of Neith
Egyptian
Late Period, Dynasty 26–30
664–332 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Stone
Dimensions
Height: 2.8 cm (1 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Hay Collection—Gift of C. Granville Way
Accession Number72.1345
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Amulets
DescriptionThis amulet of dull, light brown stone 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 no hole on the back for suspension, so it may simply have been wrapped in the mummy bandages.
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.