Statuette of Osiris, dedicated by Padihorpare
Met Museum. 56.16.2
This richly decorated statuette presents Osiris in his traditional mummiform guise, crowned with tall plumes and holding the crook and flail of kingship. His face, divine beard, collar, pectoral and regalia were enriched with gold leaf, lending the figure a once luminous appearance.
A delicate bead-net pattern covers the upper body, while a falcon enfolds the god protectively with outstretched wings. Further symbols crowd the figure: winged Ma’at at the waist, a solar scarab at the feet, crowned uraei beside the cartouche, and the Nine Bows beneath, representing Egypt’s traditional enemies.
The statuette was dedicated by Padihorpare, a Wab-Priest of Amun, who appears twice upon the base in adoration. Osiris is invoked as Neb Ankh, “Lord of Life”, and Khentyimentiu, “Foremost of the Westerners”, an ancient title linking him with the dead of the western necropolis. The crowned cobras may represent Isis and Nephthys guarding the god.
Cast by the lost-wax method, its minute decoration was engraved into the wax model before casting. The unusual combination of imagery and titles may associate the figure with the flourishing Osirian cults of Thebes and its neighbouring temple centres during the 26th Dynasty.
Summary:
Statuette of Osiris, dedicated by Padihorpare (Cupreous Metal with Gold Leaf)
Late Period, 26th Dynasty, c. 589–526 B.C.
Met Museum. 56.16.2
