Amulet depicting the head of the goddess Hathor dated 743–712 BC.
With origins dating back nearly 5000 years ago, she was one of the oldest goddesses in the Egyptian pantheon. The Coffin Text alluded to her role in the formation of the universe, declaring her “the Primeval, the Lady of All.” Hathor was also considered the goddess of motherhood, birth, joy, love and music. She was depicted as a woman with cow ears, and a woman with cow horns and a solar disk (Isis, was sometimes portrayed in the same manner). The Eye of Ra was considered to be a manifestation of Hathor, though Bastet and Mut shared this distinction. At times, Hathor was also portrayed as a lioness, a serpent, a sycamore tree, or papyrus plant.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, Boston, USA
