Menat

**Menat**


 * Other Names:**

Menet, Menit


 * Hieroglyphics:**

The //Menat// was a "musical necklace" of strands of heavily beaded strings. The other ends of the strings were tied to a bronze counterweight which dangled on the wearer's back.

Like the sistrum, the //Menat// was closely connected with the goddess Hathor. It was held in the hand by its counterpoise and used as a rattle by Hathor's priestesses. Hathor herself was known as the "Great //Menat//." We often see Hathor using the //Menat// as a conduit through which she passes her power. Because the queen herself could function as the high priestess of Hathor, royal wives are sometimes depicted offering the //Menat// to the goddess. During the festival of Hathor, the priestesses of the goddess would go from door to door shaking //Menats// and sistrums to endow the occupants of each house with the favors of life, health, and rebirth.

The //Menat// was hoped to provide good luck and fortune, and to protect against evil spirits. It was also worn for protection in the afterlife and is often found buried with the dead. Worn by women the //Menat// was expected to foster fruitfulness and good health, while among men it signified virility. Sometimes the //Menat// was put around the neck of sacred animals such as cats and Apis bulls (the sons of Hathor) as a protective amulet.

Occasionally other goddesses are pictured wearing a //Menat//, such as Anuket, Bast, Sekhmet, Meskhenet, Mehet-Weret, and Isis.

Egyptian Magical Objects

Musical Instruments