Amulet representing Isis Lactans
Amulet representing Isis Lactans
Amulet representing Isis Lactans
Egyptian faience Amulet representing Isis Lactans from the 7th-1st century B.C. Isis is seated on a low-backed, richly ornamented throne. The goddess holds little Horus on her knees, whom she is breastfeeding. She wears a finely braided wig surmounted by a small throne, Isis’s primary attribute. Complete and in good condition even if Horus’ head and the left hand of the goddess are lost.
1st century B.C., 7th century B.C.
H : 9.9 cm
Product Description
Egyptian faience Amulet representing Isis Lactans from the 7th-1st century B.C.
According to Egyptian mythology, with her magical powers, Isis conceived a posthumous son from her husband, Osiris, who was killed by Seth; she gave birth to the child Horus and raised him in the marshes of the delta, hidden by the high papyrus.
Isis is seated on a low-backed, richly ornamented throne. The goddess holds little Horus on her knees, whom she is breastfeeding. She wears a finely braided wig surmounted by a small throne, Isis’s primary attribute. She brings her right hand to her breast, clearly indicating her role as a feeder. The child, partially preserved, is chubby and nude, with his feet placed on the edge of the chair. A ring in the lower part of the woman’s hair allowed suspension of the figurine around the neck with a cord: this piece would therefore be used as an amulet-pendant.
The exact meaning of these statuettes, which have many equivalents in bronze, is unclear: were they ex-votos protecting the health of children, figurines related to fertility cults, funerary statuettes celebrating rebirth, etc.?
Complete and in good condition even if Horus’ head and the left hand of the goddess are lost.
