menat
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9.9
A heavy beaded necklace used in ancient Egyptian temple ceremonies, often connected to the goddess Hathor
- noun
- Specialized
:
menat
- Not many priests and priestesses were permitted in this holy space, in which a statue of the god was clothed and presented food offerings, and where, according to Teeter's new research, only two musical instruments were allowed, the menat and the sistrum.
Examples
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The ancient Egyptians wore a menat during religious ceremonies to honor their goddess Hathor.
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The menat, a beaded collar worn around the neck.
Academic text (2009) -
She carefully placed the menat around her neck, admiring its intricate beadwork.
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Archaeologists discovered a beautiful menat in the tomb, reflecting the culture's artistic traditions.
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word menat comes from ancient Egypt and names a sacred 'necklace' or 'amulet' worn in ceremonies and linked to the goddess Hathor. Priests often shook its beads like a rattle, so thinking of a sacred, noisy 'necklace' helps explain why a menat was both jewelry and a religious object.