This Egyptian wand was created sometime between 1300 and 1200 BC and was found at a Temple in Beth Shan. It is created from a hippopotamus tusk, an animal that was once native to region that is now Syria/Palestine. On the wand, is the face of Hathor, goddess of love, music, and joy. She is shown traditionally as a woman with cow ears and a large wig. Hathor’s form can be can vary from completely in the form of a cow to a woman with cow ears or horns.
This object is thought to have been used in religious ceremonies. An identical pair of these objects would have been clapped over the head of a priest.
Penn Museum Object #29-105-217
To learn more about other objects found at the Canaanite Temple at Beth Shan read Expedition article The Ultimate Attire by Patrick McGovern
See this and other objects like it on Penn Museum’s Online Collection Database
