An Egyptian Feldspar Counterpoise Amulet, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE Amulets Seals Scarabs Volume 13 (2002)

Volume 13 (2002)

thereafter Henry Anavian

It was exhibited at the Worcester Art Museum in the acclaimed exhibition "Jewels of the Nile: Ancient Egyptian Treasures from the Worcester Art Museum" (June 2022–January 2023)

One side depicts a bull with a snake in its mouth

and to ensure no enemy would speak against the deceased in the presence of the guardians of the balance when he is being judged before Osiris

An Egyptian Feldspar Counterpoise Amulet, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE Amulets Seals Scarabs Volume 13 (2002)The pale green mottled feldspar amulet in the form of a necklace counterpoise, with a triangular body ending in a semicircle and a faux suspension loop at the top. The menyet was a form of collar particularly associated with the goddess Hathor. It was composed of multiple bead strings, which required, as did all heavy collars, that a counterpoise be worn between the shoulder blades to counterbalance its weight and help it lie correctly over the chest.