In ancient Egyptian religion, a menat (, ) was a necklace closely associated with the goddess Hathor.[Ermann & Grapow, 2, 76, 4.]
Operation
The menat was held in the hand by its counterpoise and used as a rattle by Hathor's priestesses.
[Ermann & Grapow, 2, 75.18-76.3.] It was also worn as a protective
amulet, particularly by Apis bulls.
Parts
The menat typically included an
aegis attached to beaded strings. The other ends of the strings were tied to a
counterweight that dangled on the wearer's back. The aegis was often made of
Egyptian faience, but other materials such as
leather and
bronze were also used.
[ Petrie Museum Collection - search for menat] It was often inscribed or bore depictions of deities associated with Hathor.
Purpose
The necklace was meant to ensure good luck and fortune and to protect against evil spirits. It was also worn for protection in the
afterlife and is often found buried with the dead, given as a grave gift since
Ramesside Period times. It was expected to foster fruitfulness and good health for women, and for men it signified
virility.
Footnotes
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Erman, Johann Peter Adolf, and Hermann Grapow, eds. 1926–1953. Wörterbuch der aegyptischen Sprache im Auftrage der deutschen Akademien. 6 vols. Leipzig: J. C. Hinrichs’schen Buchhandlungen. (Reprinted Berlin: Akademie-Verlag GmbH, 1971.)
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