Provenance not known, Roman Imperial Period, 1st to 2nd century A.D.
The wadjet-eye, called in ancient Egyptian the iret wadjet, "the sound eye," is one of the most frequently encountered symbols of protection and well-being. It became an extremely popular amulet in the Late Period because its magical effect is based upon the myth of Horus, the heavenly falcon god, whose injured eye, compared to the moon passing through its phases, was restored to its original fullness
Appearance: The menet necklace was a wide beaded collar with a heavy counterweight (or "counterpoise") in the back to help keep it in place. The necklace may have functioned as a percussion instrument in religious functions.
Meaning: Symbolically, the necklace was associated with the goddess Hathor, and her son Ihy. As an important attribute of "the Great Menet" (as Hathor was sometimes called), it may have functioned as a medium through which she transmitted her power. In many images of the goddess, she is shown offering the necklace to the king.
