Statue of a goddess, probably Nehemetaui or Nebethetepet

Statue of a goddess, probably Nehemetaui or Nebethetepet

550–300 B.C.

Late Period–Ptolemaic Period

The shrine-shaped sistrum sound-box worn as a crown by this figure indicates that either the goddess Nehemet-aui, the consort of Thoth, or Nebethetepet, a manifestation of Hathor, is represented. The features of the goddess suggest a date to the end of the 26th dynasty, or the 30th dynasty. As the kings of the 30th Dynasty built important buildings including a temple to the goddess Nehemet-aui at Hermopolis, the seat of the god Thoth, it is plausible this statue is Nehemet-aui.

Title: Statue of a goddess, probably Nehemetaui or Nebethetepet

Period: Late Period–Ptolemaic Period

Dynasty: Dynasty 27–30

Date: 550–300 B.C.

Medium: cupreous metal

Dimensions: H. 17.8 × W. 4.3 × D. 10 cm (7 × 1 11/16 × 3 15/16 in.)

H. (with tang): 20 cm (7 7/8 in.)

Credit Line: Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/553045...