W2051

W2051

Back section of a Ptah-Sokar-Osiris figure.  

This is painted black with remains of blue painted hair. There are two vertical columns of painted black hieroglyphs on a white background. The inscription is in the form of a hymn addressed to Ptah-Sokar-Osiris. ‘Words spoken by Osiris, foremost of the westerners (i.e. those who have been reborn from death), lord of Abydos, Sokar-Osiris who dwells in Ipwt (Akhmim?), and Isis the Great…’ Hail to thee, heir who proceeded god, spittle which came forth from Atum, divine body that returned.’  

The cavity of this figure suggests a small model mummy may have been placed therein. The fact that small mummies were placed in cavities of Ptah-Sokar-Osiris figures was shown by a Leiden figure (See Raven 1979 p 271).

  

Further Reading 

Bosse-Griffiths, K. 2001, ‘Problems with Ptah-Sokar-Osiris Figures’, in Griffiths, J. G. Amarna Studies and Other Selected Papers. Fribourg: University Press, 181-187. 

Griffiths, J. G. 1996 Triads and Trinity. Cardiff: University of Wales. 

Raven, M.J., 1979. Papyrus Sheaths and Ptah-Sokar-Osiris Statues. OMRO 59-60 (1978/79), 251-296.