Coffin Fragment Showing Mourning Isis
ca. 664-332 B.C.E.
Maker Unknown
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
After Osiris's murder by Seth, Isis and her sister Nephthys mourned the death of the benevolent god-king. Their grieving may be seen as preparation for the god's magical "rebirth." In allusion, the Egyptians hired professional mourners to participate at funerals. It was believed that just as the goddesses helped bring about Osiris's resurrection, so too would the presence of mourners at a funeral help ensure the deceased's rebirth.
- Maker/Artist
- Maker Unknown
- Classification
- Funerary Object
- Formatted Medium
- Wood, pigment
- Locations
- Place made: Egypt
- Dynasty
- Dynasty 26 to Dynasty 31
- Period
- Late Period
- Dimensions
- 14 3/16 x 12 5/8 in. (36 x 32 cm)
- Accession Number
- 37.1992E
- Credit Line
- Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
- Exhibitions
- Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity, Ancient Egyptian Art
- Rights Statement
- Creative Commons-BY
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