Egyptian Cartonnage with Osiris Mourning Scene, Late Period, 664-332 BC
A rectangular cartonnage panel depicting the mummy of Osiris in the center above four canopic jars; a bird is above with one stretched wing; Isis and Nepthys stand to each side of the mummy with raised hands.
This scene depicts a mourning scene of Osiris attended by his sister/wife Isis and their sister Nepthys. Osiris was was defeated by his brother and rival Seth, who cut him into pieces. However, Isis collected all of the pieces and put them back together so her husband Osiris became the ruler of the Underworld. Isis is sometimes represented as a kite, often pictured hovering over her husband’s body as she fans life into him with her wings. The particularly shrill, piercing cry of the kite is thought to have been suggestive of the cries of wailing women in mourning.
