1984.670: Amulet of Triad of Isis, Horus (Harpokrates), and Nephthys

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.

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