Egyptian - Lionnes-headed Menit - Walters 481626

This amulet represents a "menit," a counterweight often made of metal worn on the back to keep large necklaces in place. "Menits" were regarded not only as jewelry but also as ritual objects sacred to the goddess Hathor, who was called, among many other titles, "Mistress of the Counterweight." This small-scale "menit" amulet shows the lion-headed goddess Sekhmet- closely associated with Hathor- wearing the sun disk and a broad collar. Below appears an "udjat," the eye of Horus, between two rearing cobras. The disk at the bottom depicts another pair of snakes spreading large protective wings around a seated deity in the middle.