In honor of #RBG, a thread on Egyptian menat collars (the embroidered or beaded collars she always wore- her signature “dissent” item). Here pictured with Seti I at Abydos

What is a menat collar exactly? It was a decoration *and* a musical instrument associated with the goddess Hathor. The collar was shaken in religious ceremonies by priestesses of Hathor, and worn by many kings to emphasize their connected to her (she was a bad ass goddess)

Similar to a Sistrum, the menat would be moved in rhythm to music/ songs as part of the ceremonies. Their sounds mimic the wind through rushes by the Nile, echoes of the winds through the primordial mounds of ancient Egyptian creation.

We have examples as early as the 6th Dynasty (2300 BC), more in the Middle Kingdom, tons in the New Kingdom and onwards. They were not just for kings- high officials, priests, priestesses all wore them, like Apple watches.

The menat collars imbued the wearer with power from Hathor, goddess of love, fertility, the sky, dance, and music- mojo that symbolized rebirth and regeneration.

RBG will always be a High Priestess of Hathor to me- someone who embodied her truths of love and life and regeneration, against all odds, even when in the minority. A Queen, gone to the West. A thousand bread beer and linen for her for eternity.

PS this is particularly fitting because of RBG’s passion for opera.

PPS do not come here to correct an Egyptologist. You will be collected, blocked, and disposed of via the crocodile dinner service (dinner=you)