Osiris inscribed for Harkhebit, son of Padikhonsu and Isetempermes

Unknown

600–300 BC · Bronze, silver · Egyptian Art

During the first millennium B.C. Osiris’s cult became dominant and was observed in seemingly every temple in the land. This large Osiris was dedicated somewhere at Memphis. After a period, which might even be hundreds of years, it was removed with other figures – including 10.175.131, .132 and .134 - for respectful burial within the temple precincts. The statue's facial features - upturned eyes and a small curved mouth - recall early to mid-Saite Period style. Various factors need consideration, but it may be that this statue, like the statue of Nefertum 10.175.131 that has similar features, dates to a period long before it was cached away, probably sometime in the fourth or third century. The name of the dedicator's mother means Isis-is-in-the-birth-house and she gave her son, the dedicator, a name meaning Horus-is-in-the-marshes, referring to Isis giving birth to Horus and concealing him in the marshes during his infancy.

Artist

Unknown

Date

600–300 BC

Medium

Bronze, silver

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1910