Amulet of Isis or Hathor Nursing a Nubian Queen in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, January 2026

On loan to The Met

Title: Amulet of Isis or Hathor nursing a queen

Period: Napatan Period

Date: ca. 747–710 BCE

Medium: Metal - Silver

Dimensions: H. 5.7 × W. 1.9 cm (2 1/4 × 3/4 in.)

Credit Line: Boston, Museum of Fine Arts; Harvard University–Boston Museum of Fine Arts
Expedition (24.928)

Object No.: DE.022


Similar in iconography but varying in detail, the sculptures depict Isis with an infant on her lap. Although the children do not nurse, Isis offers mother’s milk, which ancient Egyptians regarded as a magical substance capable of healing and transferring power between generations. Found throughout Egypt in a variety of materials and sizes, such images could be amulets or donations to temples. In the silver amulet a goddess, possibly Isis or Hathor, nurses Queen Nefrukekashta to give her nutrition and power.

See also: Statuette of Isis with the infant Horus
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest Fund, 1955 (55.121.5)

Statuette of Isis with the infant Horus, dedicated by Ankhhor
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Rogers Fund, 1945 (45.2.10)

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/divine-egypt/exhibition-objects