Aegis

From the 18th dynasty onwards, the aegis appeared as an element of the menat (counterpoise necklace), as a part of the counterpoise. The necklace was usually held in its owner’s hand and functioned as a ritual rattle. It was thought to appease the dangerous power of God, and thus it provided protection. It represents a wide, beadwork collar (wesekh collar) surmounted by the head of a deity, most frequently of a lion- or cat-headed goddess (Isis, Sakhmet or Hathor). The aegis became popular from the Third Intermediate Period onwards, and it could be made in various forms, sizes, and materials it also appeared as an amulet at this time. This bronze amulet represents a divinity above the unusually wide wesekh collar divided by horizontal rows. The divinity wears an atef crown on the tripartite wig. There is a loop for suspension behind the sun disk. Two falcon-headed terminals, the typically decorative elements of the wesekh collar, are above her shoulders. It was thought to guard its owner by the protecting power of the god depicted on it.