An Egyptian Feldspar Counterpoise Amulet, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE Amulets Seals Scarabs London: Published for the Trustees

London: Published for the Trustees of the British Museum by British Museum Press

One side depicts a bull with a snake in its mouth

standing on three tapered legs

Of striking geometric form with flat

otherwise complete and in very good condition

An Egyptian Feldspar Counterpoise Amulet, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE Amulets Seals Scarabs London: Published for the TrusteesThe 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.