Isis was one of the most important deities in Egyptian religion: she was the goddess most often associated with birth and creation, on account of her role in the Osirian myth. Worship of the goddess was widespread, and extended beyond the confines of Egypt – indeed, the secret cult of Isis in ancient Rome receives frequent mention in Classical literature.
Repoussé is a metalwork technique which involves shaping very thin, malleable metal from the reverse, in order to create a design in low relief. It was a technique used even in ancient times to create delicate gold- and silverware.