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Osorkon II Triad

The Osorkon II Triad is an elaborate pendant made by Egyptian goldsmiths during the Third Intermediate Period of ancient Egypt, between 945 and 715 BC. Crafted in solid gold and lapis lazuli, it is an exceptional work of ancient jewelry and depicts the divine triad of Osiris, Isis, and Horus. Osiris is shown with the uraeus and braided beard, Isis with a tripartite wig, and Horus wearing the pschent crown. Although it includes the great god of the dead, the object is considered more likely a temple treasure than a funerary jewel.

Osorkon II Triad showing three golden figures on a blue hieroglyphic pillar.
The Osorkon II Triad features three figures arranged around a blue pillar in a polished golden sculpture.
© · CC BY-SA 3.0 fr
Osorkon II Triad with three golden figures on a base, including a central blue pedestal topped by a small crowned figure.
The Osorkon II Triad shown as three golden figures, with a smaller crowned figure on a blue central pedestal.
© Unknown artistUnknown artist · CC BY 3.0
Osorkon II Triad showing three figures on a rectangular base, with a seated central figure atop a blue column flanked by two standing figures.
The Osorkon II Triad features a seated central figure on a decorated blue column, flanked by two standing figures on a rectangular base.
October 2017 © · Public domain
Osorkon II Triad with three figures on a rectangular base, including a central figure on a blue pedestal flanked by two standing figures.
The Osorkon II Triad features three figures arranged on a rectangular base, with the central figure set on a tall blue pedestal.
© Unknown artistUnknown artist · CC BY-SA 3.0
Osorkon II Triad sculpture with two standing figures flanking a central blue pillar and seated figure
The Osorkon II Triad shows two standing figures beside a central blue pillar topped by a seated figure.
July 2016 © · CC0

Identification

TitleOsorkon II Triad
Alternative nameOsorkon's triad
Original-language nameLa tríada de Osorkon II
TypePendant; jewel

Historical context

Datec. 945 to 715 BC
Historical periodThird Intermediate Period of Egypt
DynastyTwenty-second Dynasty
Dynastic originOne of the two Libyan-origin dynasties
Related dynastyTwenty-third Dynasty

Creator

CreatorEgyptian goldsmiths
Chronology sourceAccording to Grimal, Arnold, and Shaw

Discovery and provenance

Named rulerOsorkon II
Ruler titlePharaoh of Egypt's 22nd Dynasty
Reign874 to 850 BC
InscriptionThe jewel is engraved with the name Usermaatra Setepenamón Osorkon, or Osorkon II

Materials

MaterialSolid gold and lapis lazuli

Physical characteristics

DescriptionAn extremely precious piece of jewelry and an authentic masterpiece of ancient goldsmithing

Iconography and meaning

Depicted figuresOsiris, Isis, and Horus
Mythological groupingOsirian triad
Mythological interpretationThey represent three gods of Egyptian mythology; the sculpture is described as the family of the god of the dead, called the Osirian triad
DepictionRepresents the divine triad of the family of Osiris
Osiris roleGod of resurrection
Isis roleGoddess of maternity and birth
Horus roleSky god; "the elevated"; celestial god
Osiris attributesUraeus and braided beard
Isis attributesTripartite wig, originally inlaid
Horus attributesWears the pschent crown
Back inscriptionHieroglyphic inscriptions on five columns; the leftmost column contains the names Sa-Rê and Nesout-bity side by side
Other inscriptionsInscription on pillar mentioned, but no text is provided in the fragment; inscription under the base mentioned, but no text is provided in the fragment

Location and ownership

Current locationLouvre Museum
Current display locationSully Wing, level 1, room 643, "From the year 1000 to the first Persian domination," case 1

History and restoration

Acquisition date1872