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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1984.670
Title
Amulet of Triad of Isis, Horus (Harpokrates), and Nephthys
Classification
Amulets
Work Type
amulet
Date
c. 600 BCE-200 CE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Africa, Egypt (Ancient)
Culture
Egyptian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/289329

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Faience
Technique
Molded
Dimensions
3.1 × 2.1 × 0.7 cm (1 1/4 × 13/16 × 1/4 in.)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Mrs. Beatrice Kelekian in memory of her husband, Charles Dikran Kelekian
Accession Year
1984
Object Number
1984.670
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
Molded in pale green faience, this amulet depicts a triad of deities. While the definition of this molded amulet is low, it is still recognizable as a representational type common for amulets: it depicts the Egyptian deities Isis, Horus (Harpokrates), and Nephthys as a group, holding hands. The trio is frontal, standing on a base and against a rectangular plaque backing. The left leg of each figure strides forward slightly. Represented partially in the round, all three figures are depicted with rounded stomachs and articulated belly-buttons.

On the left, Isis wears a headdress in the form of a throne, recognizable by its stepped appearance. This crown is a representation of Isis’ name in hieroglyphs. Horus stands at the center. When Horus is depicted as a child, he is often referred to by the Greek name “Harpokrates” or “Harpocrates,” which is derived from phonetically from the ancient Egyptian phrase meaning “Horus-the-child.” While he is the same size as the adult goddesses on either side of him, his status as a child is indicated by his lock of hair on the right side of his head (often called the “sidelock of youth”). Horus is the son of Isis and Osiris. On the right, Nephthys wears a headdress of a temple topped by a basket, a representation of her name in hieroglyphs, visible here in the way the headdress bulges out at top. Nephthys is the sister of Isis.

The back of the amulet has a pierced, flat band for suspension.
Commentary
In Egyptian mythology, Isis and Nephthys protected the child Horus after his uncle Seth murdered the god Osiris (husband of Isis, father of Horus) in order to claim the royal throne and control the universe; Nephthys also aided Isis in resurrecting Osiris. Ancient Egyptians used amulets like this for protection in life and death (often placed on the lower torso of the deceased), offering protection like Isis and Nephthys brought to Horus and Osiris.

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu