In hieroglyphs, the symbol of the throne is used in the forming of Isis’ name and translates as ‘seat’. She was thus associated with the throne and royal kingship, together with her husband Osiris, looked upon as the divine mother of the pharoah. Her worship in Egypt is mentioned from the Old Kingdom and spread throughout Egypt and beyond. Her cult was especially popular in the Roman Empire.
Thoth was the Egyptian god of knowledge and wisdom, creator of hieroglyphs and patron god of scribes. The ibis head was reserved solely for his representation. It was believed that Thoth recorded the verdict of the deceased’s fate during the ‘Weighing of the heart ceremony’. Amulets such as this would have been placed upon the mummy to anticipate a good outcome in the ceremony.
Nephthys was the sister of Isis. She was usually depicted with the symbol of a house and basket on her head, as she is here. The name ‘Nephthys’ translates to “Lady of the Enclosure”, and she was often associated with the domain of the home and temple. She was thus also known as a priestess.
To find out more about the Ancient Egyptian amulets please see our relevant blog post: Egyptian Amulets and their Meanings: Ancient Egyptian Gods.
