Amulet of Isis Lactans; Egypt, low period, 664-332 BC.

Amulet of Isis Lactans; Egypt, low period, 664-332 BC.
Fayenza.
Measurements: 8,5 x 4 x 1 cm.
Round sculpture made of faience representing the figure of the Goddess Isis breastfeeding Harpocrates. The piece presents a great stylization derived from the anatomical elongation of both characters, which is especially appreciated in the treatment of the arms and legs. The representation of the Goddess Isis breastfeeding Harpocrates was common during the dominance of Egyptian culture, although it should be noted that during the Ptolemaic period its presence is much more relevant as it shows the assimilation of religious figures by the prevailing religions, being the figure similar to the representations of the Virgin and Child.
Isis is part of the Osirian triad together with her husband Osiris and her son Horus, called great magician, great mother goddess and queen of the gods, considered the fertilizing force of nature and goddess of maternity and birth. Her main iconographic symbol is the throne, although she can also be represented with a headdress with the solar disk, for being the daughter of Ra, and with dove wings. She can also take the form of a tree, as a nurturing goddess. From the beginning of the XVIII dynasty she will also be represented with the horns and the moon of Hathor, the Ankh and other symbols. A widespread iconography of Isis presents her with Harpocrates, infant form of Horus, on her lap. Harpocrates symbolizes the weak sun of dawn or the winter sun, naked and unprotected. Just as this sun is transformed into a powerful star, the weak child will become the adult Horus, armed and warrior, who will avenge the death of his father, Osiris. The piece in question has been made in schist, a material widely used for the realization of sculptures in Ancient Egypt due to its relative hardness.