Osiris-Iah

Late Period

664–332 B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 134

Osiris-Iah is a form of Osiris specifically linked to the moon, a feature made explicit in this figure through the crown, which represents the moon disk resting on the crescent moon, thereby encompassing the moon in all of its phases. The statuette conforms to the standard iconography for this deity in which he is shown with the moon crown, seated and wearing an enveloping garment, and holding the crook and flail. This figure is further elaborated with bracelets, visible where the cloak opens on the chest. Osiris-Iah can also be shown striding and wearing a short kilt, such as on 04.2.452. The god Osiris is linked to the moon because, as the moon changes from crescent to full from month to month, it recalls Osiris’ continual rebirth and regeneration.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Osiris-Iah
Period: Late Period
Date: 664–332 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt
Medium: Cupreous metal, precious metal leaf
Dimensions: H. 20.9 cm (8 1/4 in.); W. 5.9 cm (2 5/16 in.); D. 9.4 cm (3 11/16 in.)
H. (with tang): 22.7 cm (8 15/16 in.)
Credit Line: Gift of Ethel McCullough Scott, John G. McCullough, and Edith McCullough Irons, 1972
Object Number: 1971.272.15
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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