THE GODDESS HATHOR:

ICONOGRAPHY

AMNTE NOFRE -

Copyright 2015 Amentet Neferet

All rights reserved.

Cover: the Goddess Hathor; detail from the "House of Eternity" of King Sethi I. Now in the Louvre Museum...

THE GODDESS HATHOR:

ICONOGRAPHY
(written by Luigi Tripani)

-Hathor in anthropomorphic form:

The Goddess Hathor usually is always represented in anthropomorphic form as a woman wearing
the Solar disk flanked by the cow's horns; this is the most common form of Hathor.
Like all the other Goddesses, Hathor is represented holding the papyrus-scepter, and moreover
sometimes She holds the 'Uas'-scepter of Power and Dominion that generally is associated with the
male Gods.
Concerning the crowns, in addition to the Solar disk flanked by the cow's horns, that is the crown
for excellence associated with Hathor (and with Isis), the Goddess is represented wearing all the
different types of crowns, with the exception of the Lunar Crown (the Lunar disk with the
Crescent).
In the combined form of Hathor-Amente (when represented in anthropomorphic form) the Goddess
wears on Her head a standard with a falcon or a standard with the feather, that are the two forms of
the hieroglyph for "West/Netherworld".
Moreover, in a relief from Memphis dated to the roman age, Hathor is represented three-headed.
Apart from the offering scenes, that are common to all the Gods, in Her anthropomorphic form the
Goddess is depicted while suckling the Child-Gods (for example 'Ihy' and Harsomtou, both sons of
Hathor) on the walls of the "Houses of Birth" (mammisi) attached to the Temples.

-The Seven Hathor-Goddesses:

The seven forms of Hathor known as "the Seven Hathor-Goddesses" are always represented in the
most common form of the Goddess (as a woman wearing the Solar disk flanked by the cow's
horns).
1

Usually the Seven Hathor are represented playing the tambourines or the sistra, and sometimes
They hold a notched palm branch known as "the Year-staff". Just like Hathor, also the Seven
Hathor-Goddesses are represented in the breastfeeding scenes of the "Houses of Birth".

-The Hathor-head:
An iconographic motif widespread in the Egyptian art is the head of Hathor represented frontally.
Hathor is one of the few Deities that are represented frontally, together with the God Bes, the
Goddess 'Beset' (the female counterpart of Bes), the Goddess 'Bat', the images of Horus the Child in
the "Cippi of Horus", and some rare images of Osiris, Amon-Ra, and Serapis.
The Hathor-head is always represented in the combined form of a woman with cow's ears, with the
hair that often end with two curls on the sides of the face; concerning the crowns, in this form
Hathor usually wears the Solar disk with the cow's horns or the Naos-Sistrum Crown (especially
for the Hathoric capitals).
The Hathor-head is represented particularly on the sistra and on the capitals of the columns: on the
sistra, the faces are two, one on each side; on the Hathoric capitals instead the faces are four, one for
each cardinal point.

-Zoomorphic forms of Hathor:

Concerning Her zoomorphic forms, Hathor is represented as a cow, as a female falcon, as a lionessheaded woman, and as uraeus. The association of Hathor with these animals is attested also by Her
epithets related to the animal world (as we will see in the second part of this study dedicated to the
epithets of Hathor).
The most common zoomorphic form of Hathor is the cow: in the form of cow, Hathor usually wears
the Solar disk or the Solar disk with the two feathers; and often She wears also the 'menat'-necklace.
When represented as a cow, Hathor usually is depicted in these scenes: in the breastfeeding scenes,
where She is represented suckling the King or even the deceased King; while coming out from a
shrine; on a papyrus-barque among a thicket of papyrus; while emerging from the Western
Mountain of the NetherWorld, in connection with the funerary character of the Goddess, that in fact
in these scenes usually is called "Hathor Lady/Queen of the Netherworld".
Moreover Hathor is also represented in the combined form of a cow-headed woman.
As female falcon, Hathor usually is always represented in the combined form of human-headed
falcon wearing the Solar disk with the cow's horns.
2

As lioness, Hathor is always represented in the combined form of lioness-headed woman.

And as uraeus, Hathor is represented in the full form of uraeus and also in the combined forms of
human-headed uraeus, cow-headed uraeus, and lioness-headed uraeus.
In addition to these zoomorphic forms, Hathor is also represented as a winged scarab, as attested by
the epithets of the Goddess and by the LGG (Lexikon der gyptischen Gtter und
Gtterbezeichnungen), but for which there are no examples in this study.

-Hathor in the form of 'menat'-necklace:

Finally, Hathor is also represented in the combined form of human-headed 'menat'-necklace,
sometimes with human arms.

For each form of the Goddess are shown first of all the images of Hathor alone, then the scenes of
offerings/adorations, and finally the images where Hathor is represented in association with other
Deities.

Iconographic index:

I part: Hathor in anthropomorphic form

-Hathor in the breastfeeding scenes
-The Seven Hathor-Goddesses
II part: the Hathor-head
III part: Hathor in Her form of sacred cow
-Hathor as a cow-headed woman
IV part: Hathor in Her form of sacred female falcon
-Hathor as a human-headed female falcon
V part: Hathor as a lioness-headed woman
VI part: Hathor in Her form of sacred uraeus
-Hathor as a human-headed uraeus
-Hathor as a cow-headed uraeus
-Hathor as a lioness-headed uraeus
VII part: Hathor in Her form of human-headed 'menat'-necklace

Detail from the "Temple of Millions of Years" of Queen Hatshepsut, west 'Uaset'-Thebes.
The name of the Goddess Hathor written in hieroglyphics:
(w)t-r(w),
whose pronunciation is preserved in Coptic as "Hathr"

Hieroglyphs from the ceiling of the Hypostyle Hall of the Temple of Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera):
"Hathor, Lady of Nitentore, Eye of Ra, Lady of the Sky"

Evidence of the identification between the Egyptian Goddess Hathor and the Greek Goddess
Aphrodite Ourania (Heavenly):
foundation plaques from a Temple dedicated to Hathor by King Ptolemy IV Philopator and His
mother Queen Berenice II at Kusae(in Middle Egypt), 222204 BCE.
In the hieroglyphic tablet the Goddess is called "Hathor Who is in Heaven",
and in the greek tablet the Goddess is called "Aphrodite Ourania"

I part: Hathor in anthropomorphic form

Basalt statue of the Goddess Hathor wearing the Solar disk with cow's horns and holding the 'Uas'scepter of Power and Dominion: the statue was commissioned by King Amenhotep III to celebrate
His Royal Jubilee.
Now in the Egyptian Museum of Torino...

Detail from the "Temple of Millions of Years" of King Ramses III, west 'Uaset'-Thebes:
the Goddess Hathor wearing the Solar disk with cow's horns

Detail from the exterior wall of the Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera):
the Crown of the Goddess Hathor, the Solar disk with the cow's horns; below, a row of uraei

10

Temple of the Goddess Isis at Philae, "the island of the time of Ra" (now on the Agilkia island):
one of the thirteen windows of the Western Colonnade looking toward Abaton, the highly sacred
Island of Osiris.
On the wall, the Goddess Hathor standing above three lotus-flowers, wearing the Solar disk with
cow's horns and holding the 'Ankh' (Life) and the papyrus-scepter.

11

Temple of the God Horus at Behdet, detail from the eastern tower of the Pylon:
the Goddess Hathor wearing the Double Crown with two feathers and the ram's horns, and the
Solar disk with cow's horns

12

Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera), detail from the exterior wall:
the Goddess Hathor enthroned, wearing the Solar disk with the two feathers, holding the papyrusscepter and the 'Ankh'

13

Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera), scene from the south crypt 4 , room E (north
wall):
the Goddess Hathor enthroned, with Her sacred female falcon (with the Solar disk and cow's horns)
perched on Her head, holding the 'Ankh' and the 'Uas'-scepter

14

Detail from the Great Harris Papyrus of King Ramses III, dated to the 1150 BCE; now in the
British Museum....
The Goddess Hathor-'Nebethotepet', wearing a crown of uraei, holding the 'Ankh' and the papyrusscepter
15

Scene from the II Hypostyle Hall of the "Great Temple" of King Sethi I at Abydos:
the Goddess Hathor-'Nebethotepet' giving the 'Ankh' (Life) flanked by two 'Uas'-sceptres to King
Sethi I . The Goddess wears a crown of uraei topped by the sacred vulture and two uraei

16

Scene from the "House of Eternity" of King Sethi I; now in the Louvre Museum...
The Goddess Hathor (with the 'menat') welcoming King Sethi I

17

Scene from the "House of Eternity" of King Sethi I; now in the Archaelogical Museum of Firenze...
The Goddess Hathor (with the 'menat') welcoming King Sethi I

18

Scene from the "House of Eternity" of Queen Nefertari, Valley of the Queens, (QV 66), West 'Uaset'Thebes:
Queen Nefertari offering wine to the Goddess Hathor (holding the 'Ankh' and the 'Uas'-scepter); in
the middle, the altar with the offerings

19

Detail from the east wall of the "Pure Place", the Chapel of the New Year of the Temple of the
Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera). Drawing from "Denderah, description gnrale" by A.
Mariette, II-4.
The God Thoth (wearing the 'Atef' with ram's horns and uraei) offering the wreath of triumph and a
vase to the Goddess Hathor (wearing the Naos Sistrum Crown)

20

Detail from the south wall of the Chapel of Horus of Behdet in the Temple of Hathor at Nitentore
(Dendera). Drawing from "Denderah, description gnrale" by A. Mariette, II-76.
The King (wearing the Solar disk with the two uraei and the ram's horns) offering wine to the
Goddess Hathor (wearing the two feathers)

21

Scene from the rear wall of the axial Chapel of Hathor in Her Temple at Nitentore (Dendera).
Drawing from "Denderah, description gnrale" by A. Mariette, II-67.
The King (wearing the "Blue Crown" with ram's horns and the Solar disk flanked by two feathers)
kneeling and offering a mirror (decorated with the Hathor-head) to the Goddess Hathor (wearing a
crown of uraei) enthroned inside a double shrine

Scene from the west wall of the I Hypostyle Hall of the "Great Temple" of King Sethi I at Abydos:
Ra-Harakhty crowning King Ramses II; behind the King are represented the Goddesses Iusaas and
Hathor-'Nebethotepet', both holding the Year-staff (the palm branch) with jubilees.
Hathor-'Nebethotepet' wears the Solar disk with the two feathers, flanked by two feathers
22

Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera), scene from a column of the Inner Hypostyle
Hall. Drawing from "Denderah" by A. Mariette, I-24. The King (wearing the Triple 'Atef') sets up
the willow tree before Hathor (wearing the 'Atef'-Crown with ram's horns) and Horus of Behdet. In
front of Hathor, Ihy the Child (wearing a composite Triple 'Atef') playing the sistrum and the
'menat'

Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera), scene from the south wall of the side-room
IV (one of the six rooms flanking the Inner Hypostyle Hall). Drawing from "Denderah" by A.
Mariette, I-69. The King (wearing the 'Atef' with ram's horns) offering a pectoral (with a shrine
decorated with the sacred winged scarab) to Hathor (wearing the Solar disk with the two feathers)
and Harsomtou Lord of 'Khadi' (wearing the Solar disk with the uraeus). In front of Hathor, Ihy the
Child (wearing the Double Crown) playing the sistrum and the 'menat'
23

Scene from the rear wall of the Chapel of Isis (XV) in the Temple of Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera).
Drawing from "Denderah, description gnrale" by A. Mariette, II-35.
The King (wearing a composite Triple-'Atef') offering a statuette of Maat to Hathor-Tefnut (wearing
a composite crown with the Hathor-head and the Naos Sistrum). In front of Hathor-Tefnut, Ihy the
Child (wearing the Double Crown) playing the sistrum and the 'menat'

24

Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera), scene from the south crypt 4 , room E (north
and west wall). Drawing from "Denderah" by A. Mariette, III-39.
King Pepi I kneeling and offering a statue of Ihy playing the sistrum before four images of the
Goddess Hathor (each wearing respectively, from right to left, the 'Atef', the sacred female falcon,
the Solar disk with cow's horns, and the Solar disk with the two feathers and the cow's horns)

Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera), scene from the south crypt 4 , room D (south
wall). Drawing from "Denderah" by A. Mariette, III-40.
Two images of Ihy the Child playing the sistrum and the 'menat' before Hathor (wearing the Two
Feathers) and Harsomtou Lord of 'Khadi' (wearing the Solar disk with the two feathers)

25

Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera):

-image above: scene from the ceiling of the east window between the outer and the central rooms of
the east chapel of Osiris on the roof of the Temple.
26

Drawing from "Denderah," by A. Mariette, IV-57a.

The morning barque of Ra: on the sacred barque are represented Ra-Harakhty and Nephthys
(holding three 'Ankh'-signs) protecting Hathor (wearing the White Crown). Behind Ra-Harakhty
are represented lilies and papyrus stems (with a falcon), and two sacred falcons; on the bow, a
Child-God.
On the top, six solar orbs representing the first six hour of the day, with Goddesses making
adorations.
-Image below: scene from the ceiling of the west window between the outer and the central rooms
of the east chapel of Osiris on the roof of the Temple.
Drawing from "Denderah" by A. Mariette, IV-57b.
The evening barque of Ra: on the sacred barque, Hathor (wearing the Double Crown) flanked by
Atum (giving to Her the 'Ankh') and Nephthys (holding three 'Ankh'-signs). Behind Atum are
represented papyrus stems (with two falcons), and two sacred falcons; on the bow, another falcon.
On the top, six solar orbs representing the VII-VIII-IX-X-XI-XII hours of the day, with Goddesses
making adorations.

Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera), scene from one of the columns of the
Hathoric Kiosk on the roof of the Temple. Drawing from "Denderah" by A. Mariette, IV-26.
Ptah-Tenen, followed by the King with a statuette, making offerings to Hathor. Hathor wears a
composite 'Atef'-Crown with the Red Crown, ram's horns, two high feathers, the winged scarab, the
two volutes of the naos' sistrum, Two Lion-headed uraei, topped by five solar orbs, and with uraei.
Behind Her is represented Nekhbet (wearing the 'Atef'-Crown) holding a fan
27

Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera), detail from one of the columns of the
Hathoric Kiosk on the roof of the Temple. Drawing from "Denderah" by A. Mariette, IV-27.
Four forms of the Goddess Hathor. The one at left and the one at right wear respectively: the "Blue
Crown" with ram's horns and the Solar disk flanked by the two uraei; and the "Blue Crown"
flanked by the two feathers and uraei, with double ram's horns and topped by the Solar disk flanked
by the two uraei

28

Scene from the "House of Eternity" of Queen Nefertari, Valley of the Queens (QV66), west 'Uaset'Thebes:
Ra-Harakhty and Hathor-Amente, both enthroned. Hathor-Amente wears a standard with a falcon,
that is the hieroglyph for "West/Netherworld"

29

Detail from the House of Eternity of Pashedu, Servant in the Place of Righteousness and Truth
(the Valley of the Kings) during the reign of Sethi I and Ramses II, TT3, West 'Uaset'-Thebes:
"Hathor Who presides over Uaset-Thebes, Lady of the sky, Queen of the Two Lands",
wearing the Solar Crown with cow's horns and the uraeus, and holding the sistrum,
and
"Ra-Harakhty the Great God",
holding the 'Ankh' (Life)

30

Detail from the astronomical ceiling of the Hypostyle Hall of the Temple of Hathor at Nitentore
(Dendera), second band east:
Hathor of Nitentore and Horus of Behdet, both wearing the Solar disk with the uraeus and
enthroned inside a naos on a sacred papyrus barque that sails across the sky.
On the bow, Upuaut in His form of sphinx standing on a standard; on the stern, falcon-headed oars

31

Temple of Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera), scene from the astronomical ceiling of the Hypostyle
Hall, easternmost strip:
on the sacred papyrus-barque are represented (from right to left) Ihy the Child wearing the Double
Crown and holding the 'Ankh', followed by Hathor and Isis both enthroned and holding the
papyrus-scepter and the 'Ankh'. Hathor wears the Solar disk with cow's horns and the feather

32

Detail from the south wall of the Chapel of Isis in the Temple of Hathor at Nitentore:
Hathor and Montu-Ra-Harakhty, both enthroned

33

Detail of a column (upper part) from the "House of Birth" of the Sanctuary of Hathor at Nitentore
(Dendera):
-in the upper register, Hathor' heads standing on the "Gold"-hieroglyphs, and flanked by two uraei
with 'shen'-rings;
-in front, the Goddess Hathor playing the tambourine before Ihy the Child; Ihy is represented
standing on the symbol for "Union of the Two Lands" (papyrus and lotus entwined), wearing the
Double Crown and playing the 'menat' and the sistrum;
-in the lower register, a crowned cartouche standing on the symbol for "Union of the Two Lands"
and flanked by Hathor (at left) and Horus (at right) and by a double representation of Meret, the
Goddess of Rejoicing

34

Scene from the inner shrine of the "House of Birth" of the Sanctuary of the Goddess Hathor at
Nitentore (Dendera):
the God Amon-Ra presenting Ihy-Harsomtou the Child to the Goddess Hathor

35

Detail from the Double Temple of Haroeris and Sobek at Ombos:

(from right to left) Sobek-Ra, Hathor (wearing the Solar disk with cow's horns and the two
feathers), and Their divine son Khonsu

36

Detail from the "Hathor coffin", the coffin of a woman dated to the II century CE; now in the Allard
Pierson Museum of Amsterdam...
The deceased lady is depicted as the Goddess Hathor, mummiform, and wearing the Solar disk with
cow's horns and the two feathers; on both sides of her head, the Goddesses Isis and Nephthys
kneeling and mourning

37

Two images of the gilt silver handle in the form of a column with a palm leaf capital (decorated on
the top with a row of uraei wearing the Solar disk) of the mirror found in the Pyramid of King
Shabaka (721706 BCE) in the Royal Necropolis of Karoy, Pyramid K15; now in the Boston
Museum of Fine Arts...
On the photo at left, left to right, Amenardis I, Hathor, and Sekhmet/Tefnut,
on the photo at right, from left to right, Sekhmet/Tefnut, Mut, and Amenardis I.
The handle is decorated with the standing figures of four Goddesses, symbolizing the
transformations of the Eye of Ra from South to North:
in the South (Kush) She is Sekhmet/Tefnut (lioness headed),
as the Eye of Ra travels north to Egypt, She transforms Herself into the Goddesses of the West,
Hathor (on the photo at left, in front), and East, Mut (on the photo at right, in front),
and when the Eye of Ra arrives in Egypt She becomes Amons Living Uraeus and Wife and appears
in the form of the God's Wife of Amon, Amenardis I

38

Relief from Memphis, dated to the roman age; now in the Roemer und Pelizaeus Museum in
Hildesheim, Germany...
The King (possibly the Emperor Traianus) making adorations and offerings to Amon-Ra (ramheaded) and Hathor . The Goddess is represented three-headed, wearing the 'Ankh' and a scepter
with a coiled uraeus.
Before Amon-Ra there is a ram, His sacred animal; and before Hathor there is a cow, the sacred
animal of the Goddess.

39

-Hathor in the breastfeeding scenes:

Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera), detail from one of the columns of the
Hypostyle Hall:
the Goddess Hathor enthroned suckling Harsomtou the Child

40

Detail from the "House of Birth" of the Sanctuary of the God Horus at Behdet:
the Goddess Hathor enthroned suckling Harsomtou the Child

41

"House of Birth" of the Sanctuary of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera),

detail from the second intercolumnar wall of the south outer face:
the Goddess Hathor suckling Ihy-Harsomtou the Child

42

Detail from the "House of Birth" of the Sanctuary of the God Horus at 'Behdet':
Ihy the Child (with the sidelock of youth and wearing the Double Crown) playing the sistrum before
the Goddess Hathor enthroned suckling Ihy-Harsomtou the Child in the papyrus swamp

43

Detail from the "House of Birth" of King Nectanebo in the Sanctuary of Hathor at Nitentore
(Dendera):
the Goddess Hathor enthroned suckling Ihy-Harsomtou the Child (wearing the Double Crown and
holding the Flail);
in front of Hathor, (from left to right), Seshat holding the "Year-staff" (the notched palm-branch)
with Jubilees, and Outo (wearing the Red Crown) holding the 'Ankh' and the 'Uas'-scepter topped
by the 'Ankh'

44

Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera), scene from the south crypt 4 , room D (north
wall). Drawing from "Denderah, description gnrale" by A. Mariette, III-40.
King Ptolemy XII (wearing the Solar disk flanked by the two feathers, and the ram's horns) playing
the sistrum before Ihy the Child (with the 'menat' and playing the sistrum) and Hathor enthroned
suckling Ihy-Harsomtou the Child. Hathor wears the leopard skin and a composite Red Crown with
the 'Atef' and the ram's horns

45

-The Seven Hathor-Goddesses:

Detail from the chapel of Osiris 'wep-Ished' at 'Ipet-sut' (the highly sacred Precinct of Amon-Ra at
'Uaset'-Thebes):
one of the seven Hathor-Goddesses playing the tambourine

Detail from the "House of Birth" of the Sanctuary of Horus at 'Behdet':

four of the seven Hathor-Goddesses, each holding the "Year-staff" and playing the sistrum
46

Scene from the well chamber of the "House of Eternity" of King Thutmosis IV, Valley of the Kings,
KV43, West 'Uaset'-Thebes:
three of the seven Hathor-Goddesses, each giving the 'Ankh' to King Thutmosis IV

47

Scene from the Monumental Gate of the Sanctuary of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera),
detail of the west jamb.
The King (the Emperor Domitian, wearing a composite 'Atef'-Crown) presenting the Wreath of
Triumph to Hathor (wearing the Double Crown with the two feathers, ram's horns, and the Solar
disk with cow's horns).
Between the King and the Goddess there are twelve small images:
six Hathor-Goddesses playing the tambourine,
five images of Ihy playing the sistrum and the 'menat',
and one image of Ra the Child (in the middle row, at left) playing the sistrum and the 'menat'

48

Scene from the wall of the east exterior colonnade of the "House of Birth" of the Temple of the
Goddess Isis at Philae (middle register): from left to right,
a small image of King Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysos kneeling on the symbol for "Union of the Two
Lands" (lotus and papyrus entwined);
the Seven Hathor-Goddesses playing the tambourines before Isis and Hathor, both enthroned

Temple of the Goddess Isis at Philae, detail from the thickness (west wall) of the doorway leading to
the "House of Birth" (First Pylon, west tower)
three of the seven Hathor-Goddesses, each playing the tambourine

49

Temple of Isis at Philae, entrance-gate of the west tower of the First Pylon leading to the "House of
Birth", interior, west side, detail of the third register:
the Seven Hathor-Goddesses playing the tambourines; and King Ptolemy VI Philometor kneeling
on the symbol for "Union of the Two Lands" (lotus and papyrus entwined) and offering wine to
Harsiesi (Horus son of Isis)

Temple of the Goddess Isis at Philae, scene from the thickness (west wall) of the doorway leading to
the "House of Birth" (First Pylon, west tower), third register:
the Seven Hathor-Goddesses, each playing the tambourine;
to the right, King Ptolemy VI Philometor kneeling on the symbol for "Union of the Two Lands"
(lotus and papyrus entwined) and offering wine to Harsiesi (Horus son of Isis) and Isis.
Drawing from Lepsius, "Denkmler aus gypten und thiopien", IV-26

50

Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera), scene from the south crypt 5 , passage A-B
(south wall and north wall). Drawing from "Denderah, description gnrale" by A. Mariette, III-59.
The seven Hathor-Goddesses playing the tambourine, and headed by the Goddess Outo (lower
register, at left) wearing the Red Crown and playing the sistra

51

Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera), scene from the west crypt 8 , passage A-B
(west and east wall). Drawing from "Denderah, description gnrale" by A. Mariette, III-76.
The seven Hathor-Goddesses, four playing the sistra, and three playing the tambourine, and headed
by the Goddess Outo (lower register, at right) wearing the Red Crown

52

Detail from the inner shrine of the "House of Birth" of the Sanctuary of the Goddess Hathor at
Nitentore (Dendera):
four of the seven Hathor-Goddesses, each enthroned and suckling Ihy-Harsomtou the Child.

Scene from the "House of Birth" of the Sanctuary of the God Horus at 'Behdet':
the King playing the sistra before the seven Hathor-Goddesses, each enthroned and suckling
Harsomtou the Child

53

Scene from the south wall of the I Hypostyle Hall of the "Great Temple" of King Sethi I at Abydos:
King Ramses II as the "Divine Royal Child" is suckled by four of the seven Hathor-Goddesses;
to the right, Isis nursing the Child-King Ramses II

54

II part: the Hathor-head

Detail from the astronomical ceiling of the Hypostyle Hall of the Temple of the Goddess Hathor at
Nitentore (Dendera):
the birth of the Sun from the womb of the Goddess Nut; the body of Nut is covered with flowers.
Next to Her ankles is depicted the Cancer zodiac sign.
The lotus-like rays of the Sun shine on the Hathor-head represented on the roof of Her Temple

55

The ceiling of the "Pure Place", the Chapel of the New Year of the Temple of the Goddess Hathor at
Nitentore (Dendera):
the Goddess Nut swallowing the evening Sun, and giving birth to the Sun at morning.
The lotus-like rays of the morning Sun shine on the Hathor-head represented rising from the
horizon

56

Detail of the top frieze of the exterior wall of the Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore
(Dendera):
-lower register,
in the middle, the Hathor-head on the symbol for "gold", flanked at left by (from left to right) Horus
the Child son of Isis (wearing the Double Crown) playing the sistrum and the 'menat' before Isis
and Osiris; and at right by (from right to left) Harsomtou the Child (wearing the Double Crown)
playing the sistrum and the 'menat' before Hathor and Horus of Behdet.
At the left and right extremities, the two winged Maat-Goddesses (wearing the Solar disk with the
feather) spreading Their wings in protection
-upper register,
in the middle, (above) the Winged Solar Orb spreading three lotus-like rays, and the Two
Goddesses (Outo at left with the Red Crown and Nekhbet at right with the 'Atef') as sacred uraei
holding fans; below, the 'Akhet'-sign (the Horizon) and the rising Sun. Inside the Sun is represented
the Hathor-head, flanked at left by (from left to right) Horus the Child son of Isis (wearing the
'Atef') playing the sistrum and the 'menat' before Isis and Harsomtou; and at right by (from right to
left) Ihy the Child (wearing the Double Crown) playing the sistrum and the 'menat' before Hathor
and Horus of Behdet.
Behind Horus the Child is represented the Moon with the Crescent, while behind Ihy is represented
the Solar Orb with the uraeus
57

Detail of the top frieze represented in the middle of the rear wall of the Temple of the Goddess
Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera):
-lower register:
in the middle, the Hathor-head on the symbol for "gold" represented upon a shrine, flanked by
Harsomtou (at left, holding the sistrum) and Horus of Behdet (at right, holding the 'menat'necklace), and by two crowned cartouches.
To the left Outo (wearing the Red Crown), and to the right Nekhbet (wearing the 'Atef'-Crown), as
sacred vultures standing on the symbol for "gold", spreading Their wings in protection, and holding
a fan with the 'shen'-ring (symbol of eternal protection). At each extremity is depicted the 'kheker'frieze.
This same scene is repeated nine times on the rear wall
-upper register:
in the middle, (above) the Winged Solar Orb spreading His lotus-like rays, and the Two Goddesses
(Outo at left and Nekhbet at right) as sacred uraei holding fans; below, the 'Akhet'-sign (the
Horizon) and the rising Sun. Inside the Sun is represented the Hathor-head, flanked by Iah (the
Moon-God, at left) offering the 'Udjat'-Eye and by Ra (at right) with the sistrum.
At the left and right extremities are represented two crowned cartouches, and the Two Goddesses
Outo (at left) and Nekhbet (at right) as winged lioness-headed uraei (wearing the 'Atef'-Crown)
upon the symbol for "gold", spreading Their wings in protection, and holding a fan with the 'shen'ring (symbol of eternal protection)

58

Top frieze of the rear wall of the Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera), detail:
in the middle, (above) the Winged Solar Orb spreading His lotus-like rays, and the Two Goddesses
(Outo at left and Nekhbet at right) as sacred uraei holding fans; below, the 'Akhet'-sign (the
Horizon) and the rising Sun. Inside the Sun is represented Hathor, flanked by Iah (the Moon-God,
at left) offering the 'Udjat'-Eye and by Ra (at right) with the sistrum.
At the left and right extremities are represented two crowned cartouches, and the Two Goddesses
Outo (at left) and Nekhbet (at right) as winged lioness-headed uraei (wearing the 'Atef'-Crown)
upon the symbol for "gold", spreading Their wings in protection, and holding a fan with the 'shen'ring (symbol of eternal protection).
This same scene is repeated eight times all along the rear wall; in the middle of the rear wall
instead the image of Hathor inside the Sun is replaced by the Hathor-head

Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera), scene from the rear wall of the niche located
beyond the axial chapel of Hathor:
the two winged Maat-Goddesses (wearing the Solar disk with the feather and holding a feather in
each hand) spreading Their wings in protection before the Hathor-head wearing the Naos-Sistrum
Crown and topped by the Winged Solar Orb with the two uraei
59

The Monumental Gate of the Sanctuary of Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera), detail of the lintel
(looking towards the Temple of Hathor):
the Hathor-head flanked by two images of Harsomtou (to the right in His serpent-headed form)

60

The facade of the Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera) with its six four-headed
Hathoric columns (wearing the Naos Sistrum Crown). In the middle of the lintel, the Hathor-head,
and above it, on the top frieze, the Winged Solar Orb (Horus of Behdet) with the two uraei

Hathoric capital from the Temple of Hathor at Nitentore/Dendera

61

Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera),

detail of the capital of one the Hathoric columns of the Hypostyle Hall:
on the top, Ihy the Child (wearing the Double Crown) playing the sistrum before the Goddess
Hathor enthroned suckling Harsomtou the Child

62

The "Pure Place", the Chapel of the New Year of the Temple of Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera), with
its Hathoric columns; view from the "Court of the New Year"

The Hathoric "Kiosk of New Year's Festival" on the roof of the Temple of Hathor at Nitentore
(Dendera), with its Hathoric columns
63

Hathor-headed capital from the Great Temple of the Goddess Bastet at Bubastis (Lower Egypt),
Festival Hall of King Osorkon II;
now in the Louvre Museum...

64

Hathoric capital from the Chapel of Hathor, "Temple of Millions of Years" of Queen Hatshepsut,
West 'Uaset'-Thebes

Hathor-headed columns from the Hypostyle Hall of the Chapel of Hathor, "Temple of Millions of
Years" of Queen Hatshepsut, West 'Uaset'-Thebes; in the background, the entrance leading to the
inner shrine
65

Hathor-headed column with a Sistrum Crown and two uraei;

from the Chapel of Hathor, "Temple of Millions of Years" of Queen Hatshepsut, West 'Uaset'-Thebes

66

Temple of Hathor and Maat at west 'Uaset'-Thebes:

one of the three-faced Hathoric pillars located in the Pronaos of the Temple;
on the shaft of the pillar, images of the Goddess Outo and Nekhbet as uraei, with lilies and papyrus
flowers
67

The Hathoric Kiosk and the Vestibule of King Nectanebo I (380362 BCE), with Hathoric columns,
at Philae (now on the Agilkia island), located before the two Colonnades and the Outer Court of the
Temple of the Goddess Isis

The seven Hathoric columns on the east exterior side of the "House of Birth" of the Temple of the
Goddess Isis at Philae, view from the Open Court of the Temple; to the right, the west tower of the
Second Pylon

68

Temple of the Goddess Isis at Philae:the doorway of the east colonnade leading to the Open Court
of the Temple.
On the top, above the Winged Solar Orb (Horus of Behdet) with the two uraei, five Hathor-heads.
In the background, the "House of Birth" (on the west side of the Open Court)

69

Hathor-headed pillar from the Temple of the Goddess Sati (Sjt) at Yb (3bw)-Elephantine

70

One of the four-faced Hathoric capitals of the Hathoric Kiosk of Kertassi, Lower Kush/Nubia;
above, an uraeus standing inside a shrine and wearing the Solar disk

71

Capital of a column with the Hathor-head; Her hairs are decorated with eighteen petalled flowers;
dated to the III century BCE, now in the Louvre Museum...

72

The Hathor-head, cedar panel from an Hathoric Column

380200 BCE; now in the Metropolitan Museum...

73

Capital carved with the Hathor-head; mid-6th century BCE, from Kition/Larnaca, Kypros; now in
the Louvre Museum...
"the head of the Goddess, dressed in a wig that scrolls down on either side of the face, rests on a
papyrus flower decorated with pointed leaves and lotus buds. On top of the wig, on the front, is a
"naiskos," or small temple, in whose door is an uraeus, flanked by scrolling stems from which
spring papyrus flowers. On the back is a Tree of Life surmounted by a scrolled volute on which
stand two sphinxes back-to-back."

74

Free-standing pillar capital carved with the Hathor-head; on the top there is a little naos, in whose
door is an uraeus.
From the Royal Palace of Amathus (Kypros), ca. 500 BCE; Archaeological Museum of Lemesos
(Kypros)

75

Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera), scene from the south crypt 4 , room A (south
wall). Drawing from "Denderah, description gnrale" by A. Mariette, III-41.
King Ptolemy XII making adorations before Harsomtou the Child (with the 'menat' and the
sistrum), Hathor, Horus of Behdet (holding a spear), and three Hathoric columns (each one is
called "Hathor Lady of Nitentore") with the Naos Sistrum Crown.

Detail of the same scene

76

The Hathor-head standing on the symbol for "gold".

Ptolemaic stela; now in the Metropolitan Museum...

77

Votive stela dedicated to the Goddess Hathor:

above, the Hathor-head between two column-like bunches of lotus flowers, wearing a modius
crown;
below, four women bringing offerings, and a man (at right) with his arms raised in a gesture of
adoration.
Dated to the New Kingdom; now in the Egyptian Museum of Torino...

78

Faience Hathor-head from sistrum handle,

from the Temple of King Thutmose IV at 'Uaset'-Thebes; now in the Petrie Museum...

79

Faience Sistrum inscribed with the name of King Ptolemy I;

on the top of the handle, the Hathor-head flanked by two uraei wearing the White Crown (at right)
and the Red Crown (at left), and topped by a naos with the volutes and the uraeus.
305282 BCE; now in the Metropolitan Museum...

80

Detail of the sistrum of Henwttawy, Chantress of Amon and Isis; 1069-664 BCE; now in the Louvre
Museum...
on the top of the handle, the Hathor-head flanked by two uraei wearing the White Crown, and
topped by a row of seven urai wearing the Solar disk; on the top, Hathor in Her form of humanheaded uraeus wearing the Solar disk with cow's horns

81

Bronze sistrum. On the top of the handle, the Hathor-head flanked by two uraei wearing the White
Crown (at left) and the Red Crown (at right), and topped by a row of seven uraei; within the loop,
another rearing uraeus.
664332 BCE; now in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston...

82

Bronze naos-sistrum with a Bes-shaped handle, and the Hathor-head flanked by the two Uraei; on
the top, a kitten.
From Upper Egypt, I-II century CE; now in the Walters Art Museum...

83

Priestess of Hathor wearing a sacred standard topped by the Hathor-head (as a standard-bearer of
Hathor)
XIII century BCE; now in the Museum of Fine Arts of Budapest...

84

Bronze menat-counterpoise amulet representing the Goddess Hathor in three of Her forms:
-on the top, the Goddess is in Her human form, wearing a Crown composed of upreared cobras;
-in the middle, the Hathor-head;
-below, Hathor in Her form of cow, wearing the Solar disk and sailing through the marshes in a
papyrus boat.
On one face, below Hathor's wig, is inscribed the Throne Name of King Amenhotep III
('NebMaatRa'); on the other face (shown here), in the same place, is inscribed "Lady of the
sycamore fig", an epithet of the Goddess Hathor.
From 'Uaset'-Thebes, ca. 1390/1352 BCE
85

Pair of ivory clappers made in the form of a pair of hands, both decorated with the Hathor-head.
From 'Uaset'-Thebes, dated to the XVIII Dynasty, around 1300 BCE, now in the British Museum...
"The clappers are joined at the end opposite the hands, and were used as a musical instrument.
Clappers were often played together with sistra, harps and pipes. The noise of clapping, banging
and rattling was also thought to drive away hostile forces. Stamping, and dancing were used in the
same way to banish dangerous spirits." (Text from the British Museum label)

86

Granodiorite barque with a statue of Queen Mutemuia in the guise of the Goddess Mut; at the prow
of the barque is represented the Hathor-head in the shape of a sistrum.
Queen Mutemuia was the wife of King Thutmose IV and mother of King Amenhotep III.
ca. 1400 BCE, from the Sacred Precinct of Amon-Ra ('Ipet-Sut') at 'Uaset'-Thebes; now in the
British Museum...

87

Amulets of the Hathor-head;

now in the Ashmolean Museum...

Limestone votive basin dedicated to Hathor; to the right, the Hathor-head.

Dated to the Dynasty of King Thutmosis III, about 1400 BCE, now in the Egyptian Museum of
Torino...

88

Mosaic glass inlays depicting the Hathor-head;

I BCE/I CE; now in the Miho Museum of Kyoto, Japan...

Ring with glass cameo decorated with the Hathor-head;

I century CE, now in the Kunsthistorisches Museum of Vienna...
89

Golden earring with the Hathor-head from Meroe (Pyr. WV, No 7a), Kush (Nubia), dated to the
Meroitic Period, ca. 270 BCE/320 CE, now in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
above, a rosette (it is a flower with eight petals) inlaid with enamel, surrounded by a double-twisted
gold band, and below a double-faced aegis featuring the Hathor-head; seven gold drops are
suspended below the aegis; suspension ring at the top
90

Gold earring with two Hathor-heads, from Mero (Kush, Nubia) pyramid 5 (no. 6); now in the
Museum of Boston, Meroitic Period, 90 BCE/50 CE.
A lotus flower stands above two Hathor-heads with Sun's disk between the cow's horns; below the
Hathor-heads there is a rectangular base which contains five round circles. Attached to the base by
way of four gold loops are four pendants, each with a ball and a flower suspended below

91

Crystal ball amulet surmounted by the Hathor with the uraeus, Solar disk, and cow's horns.
From the "House of Eternity" of a Queen of King Piye (ca. 743712 BCE) in the Royal Necropolis
of Karoy, Pyramid K55; now in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts...

92

Ivory cosmetic spoon: on the handle is represented the Hathor-head flanked by the two uraei (both
wearing the Solar disk); the discoid bowl of the spoon represents the life-giving Sun.
ca. 12951070 BCE; now in the Metropolitan Museum...

93

Vessel from Bubastis depicting the Hathor-head flanked by felines, ca. 1188712 BCE;
now in the Metropolitan Museum...

94

III part: Hathor in Her form of sacred cow

The Goddess Hathor in Her form of sacred cow (wearing the Solar disk with the two feathers and
the 'menat'-necklace) inside a shrine with Hathoric-columns, represented upon a chapel (with a red
door in the middle). Next to Her, an image of the King; in front of Her, the altar with the offerings
decorated (below) with Hapi of Upper Egypt and Hapi of Lower Egypt, both bringing offerings. To
the right, the altar with the 'nemset'-jar.
Drawing by Alex Tochidlovsky/ . With many thanks for this excellent work!!!

95

Detail from the north wall of the Hypostyle Hall of the Chapel of Hathor, "Temple of Millions of
Years" of Queen Hatshepsut, West 'Uaset'-Thebes:
Hathor in Her form of sacred cow, wearing the Solar disk with the uraeus and the two feathers

96

Scene from the north wall of the Chapel of Hathor, "Temple of Millions of Years" of Queen
Hatshepsut, West 'Uaset'-Thebes:
Hathor in Her form of sacred cow (wearing the Solar disk with the uraeus), coming out from a
shrine; below it, 'Uas'-'Djed'-'Ankh' group signs standing on 'neb'-baskets (meaning "all Dominion,
Stability, and Life")

97

Statue of Hathor in Her form of sacred cow protecting King Thutmose III,
from the entrance to the rock-cut shrine of Hathor (a sacred cave 10ft. long and 8ft. high) in the
"Temple of Millions of Years" of King Thutmose III at West 'Uaset'-Thebes. Both the shrine and the
statue of Hathor have been removed and transported to the Cairo Museum...
Photo from the excavation by Edouard Naville (1907), Who in His book "The XIth Dynasty Temple
at Deir el-bahari, part I" (p.64) says:
"It is all the more remarkable that the shrine of Hathor has been preserved nearly intact, and
especially that the cow has not been injured. There has certainly been a fall of rubbish from the
North, which closed the entrance, and saved the Goddess. But when this fall took place the walls of
the chambers and of the facings had already been carried away; the Sanctuary of the Goddess
alone had been respected."

98

Scene from the rock-cut shrine of the Goddess Hathor (a sacred cave 10ft. long and 8ft. high) in the
"Temple of Millions of Years" of King Thutmose III at West 'Uaset'-Thebes:
the Goddess "Hathor Chieftainess of 'Uaset'-Thebes" in Her form of sacred cow coming out from a
shrine, suckling and protecting King Thutmose III (represented twice and black-skinned as a
symbol of rebirth/regeneration).
Now in the Cairo Museum...

99

Scene from the south wall of the Chapel of Hathor, "Temple of Millions of Years" of Queen
Hatshepsut, West 'Uaset'-Thebes:
Hathor in Her form of sacred cow inside a shrine, and Queen Hatshepsut sucking Her divine milk;
at left is represented Amon-Ra

100

Scene from the facade (outer wall, west side) of the Chapel of Hathor, "Temple of Millions of Years"
of Queen Hatshepsut, West 'Uaset'-Thebes:
Queen Hatshepsut enthroned, and Hathor in Her form of sacred cow licking the Queen's hand;
behind Hathor is represented Anubis (holding the 'Uas'-scepter of Power and Dominion)

101

Scene from the exterior wall of the Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera). Drawing
from Lepsius, "Denkmler aus gypten und thiopien", IV-70.
The Goddess "Hathor Lady of Nitentore" in Her form of sacred cow (wearing the Solar disk with
the two feathers) inside a shrine (with Hathoric-columns and topped by a row of uraei) on a sacred
barque, suckling the King. Before Her, another image of the King. On the stern of the sacred
barque, a falcon-headed God

102

The central axis of the Temple of Hathor and Queen Nefertari at 'Meha', Lower Kush/Nubia:
the Hypostyle Hall with the Hathoric Pillars, the doorway leading to the Antechamber, and the
Inner Shrine.
On the lintel of the doorway is represented the Winged Solar Orb (Horus of Behdet) flanked by the
two uraei;
on the jambs, a double representation of King Ramses II (on the left wearing the White Crown, and
on the right wearing the Red Crown);
on the wall at left of the doorway is represented Hathor, and at right Mut.
Through the doorway it is visible the gate (decorated with the Winged Solar Orb representing
Horus of Behdet) of the Antechamber, and the Inner Shrine with the cult statue of Hathor in Her
form of sacred cow protecting King Ramses II

103

Votive stela with three Hathor cows;

from 'Uaset'-Thebes, dated to the reign of Hatshepsut and Thutmose III. Now in the Metropolitan
Museum...

The Goddess Hathor in Her form of sacred cow on a barque among a thicket of papyrus protects
King Ramses II with Her 'menat'-necklace. From west 'Uaset'-Thebes; now in the Louvre Museum...
104

Nefertari making adorations and offerings to the Goddess Hathor represented in Her form of
sacred cow, on a barque among papyrus thickets;
From the Temple of Hathor and Nefertari at 'Meha' (Lower Kush, Nubia)

King Ramses II making adorations and offerings to the Goddess Hathor represented in Her form of
sacred cow, on a barque among papyrus thickets.
From the Temple of Hathor and Nefertari at 'Meha' (Lower Kush, Nubia)

105

Scene from the west wall of the pronaos of the Temple of Hathor and Maat at west 'Uaset'-Thebes:
King Ptolemy VI burning incense before
"Hathor, the Sovereign of 'Uaset', Queen of the Netherworld, the Worshipful and Mighty One,
Queen of the Goddesses".
The Goddess Hathor is represented in Her form of sacred cow inside a shrine (topped by a row of
uraei) upon a papyrus-boat.
On the bow of the sacred barque, the God Upuaut in His form of sphinx upon a standard.
On the top left, above the head of the King, the God Horus of Behdet in His form of sacred
falcon; on the top right, the Goddess Nekhbet in Her form of sacred vulture

106

Group statue from the "House of Eternity" of Pabes/Pabasa (troop commander of the traders of the
Temple of Ptah, scribe of the Lord of the Two Lands, and scribe of the treasury of Ptah) at Saqqara
(ca. 1250-1175 BCE); now in the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden of Leiden...
The Goddess Hathor in Her form of sacred cow, wearing the Solar disk with the two feathers; in
front, a couple (prabably Pabes and His wife Taweretemheb) kneeling and holding an offeringtable

107

Detail from the "Book of Coming Forth by Day" of Ani:

Hathor in Her form of sacred cow, wearing the Menat-necklace and the Solar disk with the two
feathers, emerging from the Western Mountain of the West/Netherworld and coming through
papyrus plants; below, at right, the "House of Eternity" with a Pyramidion on the top

108

Detail from the "House of Eternity" of Nakhtamon [TT341], "Overseer (supervisor) of the altar" in
the "Temple of Millions of Years" of King Ramses II (the "Ramesseum"):
Hathor in Her form of sacred cow emerging from the Mountain of the West/Netherworld; before
Her, the image of a deified King, and the altar with the 'nemset'-jar and a lotus flower

109

Scene from the Ushabti box of Schedesenmut, ca. 1540-1075 BCE; now in the Neues Reiche
Museum, Berlin... Schedesenmut kneeling, making adorations and playing the sistrum before
Hathor in Her form of sacred cow (wearing the 'menat') emerging from the Mountain of the
West/Netherworld where is represented the "House of Eternity" with a Pyramidion on the top

Scene from the "House of Eternity" of Ameneminet [TT277], "Divine Father of Ptah-Sokar" in the
"Temple of Millions of Years" of King Amenhotep III:
Ameneminet pouring water on the altar and censing before King Monthuhotep II, Queen AhmesNefertari, and Hathor in Her form of sacred cow emerging from the Mountain of the
West/Netherworld
110

Limestone stela of Khabekhnet, a workman in the "Valley of the Kings", son of the workman
Sennedjem, early part of the reign of King Ramses II (now in the British Museum...) :
-on the top, the sacred barque of Ra with the Sun rising from the horizon; inside the Sun is
represented Ra;
-in the middle, Khabekhnet kneeling and making adorations to a royal prince and to the Goddess
Hathor in Her form of sacred cow emerging from the Mountain of the West/Netherworld;
-in the lower register, Khabekhnet and his wife Sahte (daughter of the sculptor Piay), both kneeling
and making adorations

111

Scenes from the Outer Coffin of DjedPtahiuefankh, III Prophet of Amon-Ra at 'Ipet-Sut' (the Great
Precinct of Amon-Ra at 'Uaset'-Thebes) during the XXII Dynasty.
From right to left:
the Goddess Nut pouring a libation and making offerings to Hathor and Osiris; Hathor is
represented in Her form of sacred cow, wearing the 'menat'; above Her, the 'Udjat'-Eye with a
human arm, and a winged uraeus with the 'shen'-ring;
to the right, Osiris holding a combined 'Djed'-'Ankh'-'Uas'-scepter, and the "House of Eternity"
with a Pyramidion on the top (in the middle is inscribed the name of Osiris) emerging from the side
of the Mountain of the West/Netherworld.
On the top, a row of uraei and feathers

112

Scenes from the coffin of the 'Uab'-Priest AnkhefenMut, XXI Dynasty:

From right to left,
the Mountain of the West/Netherworld, and the "House of Eternity" with a Pyramidion on the
top; above it, a winged uraeus;
Hathor in Her form of sacred cow, wearing the 'menat'; below Her, Anubis crouching and holding a
feather;
the Goddess Nut emerging from the sacred sycamore tree and pouring a libation of water and
giving food to AnkhefenMut; above him, a winged uraeus.
On the top, a row of uraei and feathers

113

-Hathor as a cow-headed woman:

The Goddess "Hathor Lady of the Sky, the Eye of Ra", cow-headed, wearing the Solar disk with the
two feathers,holding the papyrus scepter and the 'Ankh', and enthroned; in front of Her, the altar.
Drawing from "Panthon gyptien, collection des personnages mythologiques de l'ancienne gypte,
d'apres les monuments" by J. F. Champollion

114

Stela of the "Chantress of Amon" Tekhae;dated to the XIX Dynasty, now in the Museum of Firenze...
The Goddess "Hathor Lady of the West/Netherworld" (at left) emerging from the sacred sycamore
tree and pouring a libation of water and offering bread to Lady Tekhae; under the shade of the
sycamore is represented the 'Ba' (the soul, depicted as an human-headed bird) of Tekhae;
Hathor is represented as a cow-headed woman, wearing the Solar disk with two feathers

115

IV part: Hathor in Her form of sacred female falcon

Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera), detail from the south crypt 4 , room E
(north wall):
the sacred female falcon of the Goddess Hathor, wearing the Solar disk with cow's horns

116

-Hathor as a human-headed female falcon:

Detail from the frieze of the east wall of the second eastern chapel of Osiris (one of the three
"Houses of Life of the statues") on the roof of the Temple of Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera)
representing the 'Ba'-souls of the Gods of the nomes of Upper Egypt protecting Osiris:
Hathor of Nitentore ("Jwnt-t3-Nrt", Dendera, capital of the VI nome of Upper Egypt, Crocodile)
represented as a human-headed 'ba'-bird spreading Her wings in protection of Osiris. Hathor is
represented standing on the symbol for "gold", with a fan and a standard with the 'Ankh', wearing
the vulture headdress with the uraeus and the Solar disk with cow's horns.
Drawing from A. Mariette, "Denderah, description gnrale", IV-40

117

Detail from the south-east wall of the chapel of Nefertum in the "Great Temple" of King Sethi I at
Abydos:
a small image of the King kneeling and offering wine to the Goddess Hathor represented in Her
form of human-headed falcon wearing the Solar disk with cow's horns; both the King and the
Goddess are represented upon a shrine

118

Detail of a column from the Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera):
the King (wearing the Double Crown) playing the sistra before the Goddess Hathor represented in
Her form of human-headed falcon (wearing the Solar disk with cow's horns) inside a shrine. Before
Her, a small image of the King

119

Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera), detail from the south crypt 4 , room A (north
wall). Drawing from "Denderah, description gnrale" by A. Mariette, III-42.
King Ptolemy XII (wearing the White Crown) standing in adoration before Ihy the Child (with the
'menat' and the sistrum), Hathor (enthroned, wearing a composite Double Crown with ram's horns,
the cow's horns with the solar disk, and the two feathers), Hathor in Her form of human-headed
falcon inside a shrine (next to Her, a small image of a kneeling deity), and an Hathoric-pillar (on
its top, the Solar disk with cow's horns and human arms)

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V part: Hathor as a lioness-headed woman

Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera), scene from the west crypt 8 , room C (west
wall). Drawing from "Denderah, description gnrale" by A. Mariette, III-71.
The King sacrifices the oryx before the Goddess Hathor-Bastet. Hathor-Bastet is represented
lioness-headed and wearing an uraeus on Her head.

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Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera), scene from the west crypt 8 , room C (east
wall). Drawing from "Denderah, description gnrale" by A. Mariette, III-74.
The King offering fowl, a cup, and oryxes to the Goddess Hathor-Sekhmet represented lionessheaded, wearing the Solar disk with the uraeus

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VI part: Hathor in Her form of sacred uraeus

Detail from the exterior wall of the Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera):
hieroglyphic form of the name of the Goddess Hathor representing the Goddess in Her form of
uraeus wearing the Solar disk with cow's horns (I-62)

-Hathor as a human-headed uraeus:

Detail of the sistrum of Henwttawy, Chantress of Amon and Isis; 1069-664 BCE; now in the Louvre
Museum...
The Goddess Hathor in Her form of human-headed uraeus wearing the Solar disk with cow's horns

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The Goddess Hathor represented in four of Her forms:

-at left, as a woman wearing the Naos-Sistrum Crown;
-in front, as a human-headed uraeus;
-in the middle, as a cow wearing the Solar disk with the two feathers;
-at right, as a lioness-headed woman wearing the Solar disk.
Quartzite, dated to the Late Period, 664-332 BCE, now in the Louvre Museum...

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-Hathor as a cow-headed uraeus:

Detail from the "House of Birth" of the Sanctuary of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera):
hieroglyphic form of the name of the Goddess Hathor representing the Goddess as a cow-headed
uraeus (I-76)

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Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera), detail from the east crypt 1 , room F (east
wall). Drawing from "Denderah, description gnrale" by A. Mariette, III-9
The Goddess Hathor as a cow-headed uraeus, and the God Harsomtou as a sphinx

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-Hathor as a lioness-headed uraeus:

Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera), scene from the east crypt 3 , south part.
Drawing from "Denderah, description gnrale" by A. Mariette, III-29
The King making offerings to the Goddess Hathor represented as a lioness-headed uraeus with
cow's horns

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VII part: Hathor in Her form of human-headed 'menat'-necklace

Stele dedicated to the Goddess Hathor, from west 'Uaset'-Thebes, XVIII Dynasty, now in the
Egyptian Museum of Torino...
A double representation of the Goddess Hathor:
to the left, Hathor in Her form of 'menat'-necklace (Hathor-headed) upon a shrine;
to the right, the Hathor-head wearing the Naos-Sistrum Crown with the uraeus, upon a shrine.

Drawing of the same stele. From "Panthon gyptien, collection des personnages mythologiques de
l'ancienne gypte, d'apres les monuments" by J. F. Champollion

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Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera), scene from the south crypt 4 , room B (north
wall). Drawing from "Denderah, description gnrale" by A. Mariette, III-43.
The King (Ptolemy XII) standing before the Goddess Hathor represented twice:
at left, Hathor is enthroned, wears a composite Double Crown, and holds the 'menat'-necklace with
Her right and the sistrum in Her left; in front of Her, Harsomtou the Child playing the sistrum and
the 'menat';
at right, Hathor in Her form of 'menat'-necklace (Hathor-headed) upon a shrine, holding the
'Ankh'; before Her, a Child God (probably Ihy)

Detail of the same scene

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Temple of the Goddess Hathor at Nitentore (Dendera), scene from the south wall of the "House of
the 'menat'-necklace" (chapel XXIII). Drawing from "Denderah, description gnrale" by A.
Mariette, II-80.
The King offering a pectoral to the Goddess Hathor represented twice:
at left, Hathor is enthroned, wears the Double Crown, and holds the 'menat'-necklace with Her
right and the sistrum in Her left; next to Her, a small image of Ihy the Child;
at right, Hathor in Her form of 'menat'-necklace (Hathor-headed) upon a shrine, holding the 'Ankh'
and a Child God (probably Ihy).

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