Enameled Horus Pin

Description

The Museum’s collection houses a number of important falcon images, including those that protect the name of King Senwosret II (ca. 1887–1878 B.C.) on Sithathoryunet’s spectacular pectoral. Our exquisite pin is adapted from an original falcon on this pectoral.

24K gold overlay, hand enameled. 2 1/4''L x 2''W.

Art History

To the ancient Egyptians, who associated certain animals with specific deities, the falcon was a sacred creature. They linked the soaring bird of prey with Horus, the falcon- headed king of the gods. As the chief god, Horus embodied the concept of kingship and therefore protected the ruling pharaoh. The falcon-god also had long-standing ties to the sky and thus to the sun, and remained a powerful deity for almost three millennia (ca. 3100 B.C.–A.D. 395).