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Aegis with the head of Hathor
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At the time this diminutive bronze was made, the aegis (the magically protective cloak of the Greek goddess Athena) was introduced into Egyptian iconography. The Egyptian aegis usually consisted of a usekha broad, decorative collar with rows of dates alternating with papyrus and lotus blossoms. The head of Hathor, the cow-headed goddess of beauty and joy, and two falcon heads surmount the aegis, which would have functioned as a protective amulet and may have served as a votive offering or as an attachment to the prow of a wooden model boat to help guide and protect the deceased on their nightly journey through the netherworld.