Osiris-Iah

Late Period–Ptolemaic Period

664–30 B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 130

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, striding, and wearing a short kilt. Osiris-Iah can also be shown seated and wearing a mummiform garment with the same crown, such as on 1971.272.15. 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

References

Title: Osiris-Iah
Period: Late Period–Ptolemaic Period
Date: 664–30 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt
Medium: Cupreous metal
Dimensions: H. 11.1 cm (4 3/8 in.); W. 2.7 cm (1 1/16 in.); D. 5.3 cm (2 1/16 in.)
Credit Line: Gift of Darius Ogden Mills, 1904
Object Number: 04.2.452
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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