Isis amulet

Ptolemaic Period

332–30 B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 134

This amulet depicts the goddess Isis. On her head is a throne, which is the hieroglyph that represents her name. Isis was the quintessential example of a loving and caring wife as well as a nurturing and protective mother. In the funerary realm, Isis was extremely important as she cared for and revived her husband Osiris. She is often described as "The Great One of Magic," and this amulet was presumably supposed to invoke her protection and versatile powers for the benefit of its wearer. The back pillar of the piece is pierced so that the amulet could be suspended, for example on a necklace. The piece belongs to three other amulets, which represent the deities Nephthys, Horus, and Khnum (26.7.884–.886); all four are probably mummy amulets.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Isis amulet
Period: Ptolemaic Period
Date: 332–30 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Asasif, Ptolemaic vaulted graves (Birabi), Carter/Carnarvon excavations
Medium: Faience
Dimensions: H. 4.3 cm (1 11/16 in.); W. 0.9 cm (3/8 in.); D. 1.4 cm (9/16 in.)
Credit Line: Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926
Object Number: 26.7.883
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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Mummy of Nesmin with plant wreath, mask, and other cartonnage elements, Mummified human body, linen, mummification material, faience? (amulets), painted and gilded cartonnage, plant remains — Mummy of Nesmin with plant wreath, mask, and other cartonnage elements
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