Late Period, 664-332 BC. A large high quality glazed composition amulet in the form of the goddess Isis seated on a throne with feather pattern to the side; the goddess wearing tripartite wig surmounted by throne-shaped headdress; the left hand supporting the back of the infant Horus seated on the lap, right hand cupping breast; supporting pillar to the back, pierced for suspension. 9.27 grams, 50mm (2"). Property of a Connecticut, USA, collector; formerly in the collection of Dr. John Winnie, St. Mary's, Georgia, USA. According to the Pyramid Texts, the oldest surviving body of Egyptian writings, and other mythological and literary works such as the Memphite Theology and the Contendings of Horus and Seth, Horus was conceived by the goddess Isis after her husband, Osiris, had been slain and dismembered by Set, his brother and rival to the throne. Isis and her sister, Set's consort, Nepthys, gathered Osiris's scattered limbs from the Nile and mummified him. Isis thereupon used her great magical powers to bring Osiris back to life and conceived Horus. This assured the continuance of legitimate kingship through Horus. The image of Isis nursing Horus, known as Isis Lactans, was extremely popular and would go on to be disseminated to the wider world by the Ptolemies and the Roman emperors through the mystery cult of Isis. It would go on to influence the image of the Virgin Mary nursing the infant Christ.

Very fine condition.