PECTORAL OF MERERET

Identity:      Mereret, Daughter of Senusert III  
Material:    Gold, Turquoise, Carnelian, Amethyst, Lapis Lazuli
Period:        Middle Kingdom, 12th Dynasty  
Reign:        Senusert III

Dimensions:
Height:         6.1 and 7.9 cm
Width:         8.6 and 10.5 cm

This openwork pectoral belonged to princess Mereret, daughter of Senusert III and sister of his successor, Amenemhat III. The pectoral is set within the framework of a "chapel" where the vulture- goddess with outstretched wings hovers protectively over the scene of the victorious king dispatching his enemies. Between the lotus flowers, king Senusert III tramples his enemies while depicted as a griffin. The griffin combines here the power of the falcon with the strength of the lion.