<em>Triad of Isis, the Child Horus, and Nephthys</em>, 305–30 B.C.E. Faience, 2 x 1 7/16 x 5/8 in. (5.1 x 3.6 x 1.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.939E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.939E_front_PS2.jpg)

Triad of Isis, the Child Horus, and Nephthys, 305–30 B.C.E. Faience, 2 x 1 7/16 x 5/8 in. (5.1 x 3.6 x 1.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.939E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.939E_front_PS2.jpg)

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Triad of Isis, the Child Horus, and Nephthys

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

After Osiris went to the afterlife, Isis raised her son Horus with the help of her sister Nephthys. Isis hid her son from his jealous uncle Seth, who had killed Osiris and taken the throne of Egypt from him. Amulets like this were placed on the lower torso of the mummy and protected the deceased as Isis and Nephthys protected Horus.

MEDIUM Faience

Place Made: Egypt

DATES 305–30 B.C.E.

PERIOD Ptolemaic Period

DIMENSIONS 2 x 1 7/16 x 5/8 in. (5.1 x 3.6 x 1.6 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 37.939E

CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Light green glazed faience amulet representing Isis, Nephthys, and Horus. The three figures stride upon a rectangular plinth with high back slab (the slab reaches up to the tops of the figures' crowns). On the right side is Nephthys identified by the "neb"-basket supported by a palace-sign which she wears upon her head. She wears a striated tripartite wig, broad collar, and tight dress. Her right arm is at her side; her left hand holds the right hand of Horus who stands to her right. Horus is nude and wars the child's sidelock. His right hand holds the left hand of Isis who is at his right side. Isis is dressed in the same fashion as Nephthys, but wears upon her head the hieroglyph for "throne." Isis and Nephthys are the same height; Horus is shorter. On the rear of the back slab is an eyelet. The figures are strongly modeled with large breasts, rounded stomachs, and pronounced navels. Condition: Complete.

EXHIBITIONS

To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures from the Brooklyn Museum

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view

CAPTION Triad of Isis, the Child Horus, and Nephthys, 305–30 B.C.E. Faience, 2 x 1 7/16 x 5/8 in. (5.1 x 3.6 x 1.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.939E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.939E_front_PS2.jpg)

IMAGE front, 37.939E_front_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2006

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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