Stela in the Shape of a Pylon
New Kingdom, Ramesside
Not on view
This large wooden stela, bordered at the top by a cavetto cornice, takes the shape of a shrine or pylon. Pictured here are the goddesses Isis (viewer right) and Nephthys (left), identified by the hieroglyphs on their heads. Each wears a fillet tied around the head, a broad collar, armbands, and anklets, and an ankle-length sheath dress with a sash. These goddesses were the sisters and protectors of Osiris, mythical king of Egypt who was murdered by their brother Seth. Isis and Nephthys revived Osiris long enough for him to impregnate Isis, who was also his wife, before descending to the underworld, where he became the principal god of the dead. The inscription here refers to spells recited by the two sister-goddesses.
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