Bat-head Necklace
Culture
Ancient Egyptian
DateMiddle Kingdom, about 1980–1760 BCE
Mediumgold
Dimensions19.1 cm (7 1/2 in.)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineMrs. Kingsmill Marrs Collection
Object number2001.121
Descriptionsingle strand of 8 bat head pendants knotted on stringLabel TextRepresentations of the god Horus as a falcon and the goddess Bat are prominent elements found in Egyptian jewelry throughout the course of dynastic history. The falcon is a complex entity in that the god has multi-layered affiliations that change depending on time and place. Bat, a cow goddess depicted as having a human face with cow ears, is a figure of great antiquity that eventually merges with Hathor, goddess of love, music, and fertility.ProvenanceFormerly of Mrs. Kingsmill Marrs Collection; bequeathed by Mrs. Kingsmill Marrs to the Worcester Art Museum, 1925–1926 as 1925.411; transformed in 2001 through conservation work.
On View
Not on view
Ancient Egyptian
New Kingdom, about 1539–1077 BCE to Late Period, about 664–332 BCE
