Head of the Goddess Mut

This small piece (a little over 6 inches high) represents the goddess Mut. It’s probably an attachment for something like a piece of furniture – perhaps to be carried on procession or used during a ritual.

The goddess is represented wearing the double crown, which is a symbol of a unified Egypt – it has the shape of both the Red Crown of Lower Egypt and the White Crown of Upper Egypt. Once upon a time those elements of the crown were gilded (as the face still is).

Even though they were gilded the two colours of the crown were still indicated – the White Crown portion (that looks like a bowling pin) was covered in a pale mix of gold & electrum, and the Red Crown portion was covered in pure gold which the Egyptians associated with red.

Even though it’s a bit cross-eyed it’s a lovely little piece and must’ve been very eye-catching when shiny and new. It’s not known where it was found, but it dates to the Third Intermediate Period and is now in the Met Museum (acc. no.: 26.7.1427).