Amulet of Triad of Isis, Horus (Harpokrates), and Nephthys

Molded in pale green faience, this amulet depicts a triad of deities. While the definition of this molded amulet is low, it is still recognizable as a representational type common for amulets: it depicts the Egyptian deities Isis, Horus (Harpokrates), and Nephthys as a group, holding hands. The trio is frontal, standing on a base and against a rectangular plaque backing. The left leg of each figure strides forward slightly. Represented partially in the round, all three figures are depicted with rounded stomachs and articulated belly-buttons. On the left, Isis wears a headdress in the form of a throne, recognizable by its stepped appearance. This crown is a representation of Isis’ name in hieroglyphs. Horus stands at the center. When Horus is depicted as a child, he is often referred to by the Greek name “Harpokrates” or “Harpocrates,” which is derived from phonetically from the ancient Egyptian phrase meaning “Horus-the-child.” While he is the same size as the adult goddesses on either side of him, his status as a child is indicated by his lock of hair on the right side of his head (often called the “sidelock of youth”). Horus is the son of Isis and Osiris. On the right, Nephthys wears a headdress of a temple topped by a basket, a representation of her name in hieroglyphs, visible here in the way the headdress bulges out at top. Nephthys is the sister of Isis. The back of the amulet has a pierced, flat band for suspension.