Isis, wife of the god Osiris was the greatest goddess of ancient Egypt. When Osiris was murdered it is said that she made the first mummy from  his dismembered body and magically conceived Horus in the process.  Ancient Egyptians worshipped her as a devoted wife and loving mother, qualities bestowed on Mary by Christians and Devaki by Hindus.

The image of the devoted mother and child is an image that is common to many religions, including Hinduism and Christianity.  Indeed, Christmas is a time when the image of Mary and the infant Jesus holds meaning for many Christians.  However, depictions of mother and child are much older, as this statuette from ancient Egypt demonstrates.  It depicts the goddess Isis and her son Horus, an image that is around 5000 years old.

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