Pectoral of Opposing Seth and Hieracosphinx

On the right of this pectoral is the god Seth, who can signify southern Egypt, while on the left is a hieracosphinx representing Horus, a deity here related to northern Egypt. At the center is a symbol representing the goddess Hathor, imagery that was already ancient by the Middle Kingdom.

The beautifully worked back of the pectoral is displayed here. The front was originally inlaid with semiprecious stones, few of which remain in place.

The Hieracosphinx has the head of a hawk and the body of a lion. The name was coined by Herodotus to the hawk-headed sphinxes that he saw in Egypt (the other being the ram-headed sphinx which Herodotus called Criosphinx. Amun-Re, a form of the sun god, is sometimes depicted as a sphinx or a human with the head of a hawk.

Middle Kingdom, 12th Dynasty, probably reign of Senusret II or Senusret III, ca. 1897-1841 B.C BC. Electrum with remains of lapis lazuli, carnelian, and amazonite inlays. Dimensions: H. 3.8 cm (1 1/2 in.); W. 5.7 cm (2 1/4 in.). Said to be from Dahshur; ex coll. Major William Joseph Myers (1858-1899). Now in the Myers Museum, Eton College. Cat.74