Egypt, Late Dynastic to Ptolemaic Period, ca. 664 to 30 BCE. A stunning cartonnage linen panel fragment adorned with religious iconography and painted in hues of blue, crimson, beige, yellow ochre, black, and white. The center of fragment depicts the goddess Isis kneeling, with her winged arms outstretched. The deity is surrounded by a lovely border of horizontal and vertical linear and geometric patterns. This panel is an ornate section of a collar from an inner mummy case created with cartonnage, a material made from papyrus or linen and soaked in gesso or plaster which was then applied to a wooden mold, then carefully smoothed. Once prepared, this collar was painted with attractive designs and symbols. Isis is often associated with the funerary cults and the afterlife, as she was thought to guard the liver of a deceased person at the time of judgment. She is also known as a protector of children. In addition to being revered as the ideal mother and wife, Isis was revered as the patroness of magic and nature, a supporter of sinners, slaves, and artisans as well as a friend to rulers and the wealthy. A marvelous and colorful example of Egyptian funerary tradition! Size: 8.5" L x 7.75" W (21.6 cm x 19.7 cm)

Provenance: private collection, Santa Clara, California, USA, acquired prior to 2010

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#164916

Fragment of a larger piece as shown. Repaired from 6 pieces and attached with adhesive and linen strips on verso for stabilization. Losses to peripheries and interior with perforation through center as shown. Chipping and fading to original pigmentation as shown. Minor abrasions and fraying to some underlying woven threads. Light earthen deposits and great retention of original pigment throughout.