A Vintage Hathor Pendant Necklace, MMA 1978, 1978

This pretty silver and lead crystal pendant of the goddess Hathor, was part of the 1976 Metropolitan Museum of Art's Treasures of Tutankhamun Exhibit. The pendant has recently been strung as a necklace using new coin-shaped freshwater baroque pearls, lapis and carnelian beads, and gold-plated spacers. 

Worshipped in many guises, the goddess Hathor is shown here with the face of a young woman. The living soul of trees, nurse of the pharaohs, goddess of happiness, dancing, and music, she was honored by Egyptians from all walks of life.

In honor of the Treasures of Tutankhamun exhibition that traveled to seven American cities between 1976 and 1979, the Metropolitan Museum of Art commissioned 100 pieces of commemorative jewelry duplicated from King Tut's tomb. The Met sent eight staff members to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo to cast replicas directly from the artifacts, making this pendant the most accurate reproduction ever created. 

Medium: Lead crystal, 24K gold electroplate on silver, cultured pearls, gold, carnelian, lapis.

Dimensions: Pendant height: 1 3/8 inches (3.5 cm). Necklace length: 18 inches (45.7 cm)

Condition:  Some minor wear to the plating that does not detract; otherwise, the pendant is intact and in very good condition overall.  The beads are new and unworn.