Standing at the back of a rectangular integral base painted with gesso, the figure of the god is shown mummiform wearing a black, blue and red over gesso tripartite wig and broad collar. The face is naturalistically carved and painted with black cosmetic lines around the eyes.
A feature of ancient Egyptian religion is the process of syncretism in which originally distinct gods with similar powers were brought together to create a composite deity. In Ptah-Sokar-Osiris three gods associated with resurrection are united. Ptah is one of the oldest Egyptian deities; he was known as a god of craftsmanship and creation. Sokar was an ancient falcon god who became associated with the afterlife. Lastly, Osiris as king of the underworld, represented the power of regeneration and resurrection.
Condition: Some wear and cracking to the wood, especially around the corners of the base. Some loss of pigment and gesso throughout, small hole in right part of wig and loss around right side of face, otherwise intact.
Dimensions: height 16.5 inches (42 centimeters)
Provenance: From a private San Francisco collection, California.
