Anklet of Princess Sithathoriunet

This anklet belonged to Princess Sithathoriunet, a figure from ancient Egypt’s Middle Kingdom, specifically the 12th Dynasty, dating back to 1887-1813 BC, indicating its historical significance.

One of two amethyst and gold anklets which were likely worn by the princess during a religious ritual or state ceremony.

Princess Sithathoriunet was an ancient Egyptian royal figure, the daughter of Pharaoh Senusret II, who ruled during the 12th Dynasty of the Middle Kingdom. Her name, Sithathoriunet, means “Daughter of Hathor,” indicating her divine connection to the goddess Hathor, who was associated with love, motherhood, and music.

She is most famously known for being the wife of her half-brother, Amenemhat II, and the mother of Senusret II’s successor, Senusret III, who became one of the most prominent pharaohs of the Middle Kingdom. Through her royal lineage, Sithathoriunet played an important role in the continuity of the 12th Dynasty’s power.

When Flinders Petrie and Guy Brunton explored the shaft tomb of Princess Sithathoriunet in 1914 (located in the funerary complex of Senusret II at El Lahun), they found little apart from her red granite sarcophagus and a set of canopic jars, the vessels which accompanied each burial to house the internal organs.

Then they discovered a niche in the wall that had been plastered over. Inside were five boxes containing Sithathoriunet’s jewelry, a mirror, razors and pots for cosmetics. Most of the objects from this tomb are now on display in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

The artifact was discovered in the Tomb of Sithathoriunet at El Lahun, providing insight into the burial practices and royal adornments of the time.

Middle Kingdom, 12th Dynasty, reign of Senusret II, ca. 1887-1813 BC.
Now in the Metropolitan Museum. 16.1.7b