Egyptian bronze oldest artifact in Museum

Editor's note: This is story #83 in a Monday through Saturday series on 100 interesting artifacts found at Dover's Woodman Museum, in celebration of its 100th season. Visit our web page devoted to the Woodman series at http://fosters.com/woodman-museum-treasures.

A bronze statuette is thought to be the oldest object in the Museum! It depicts Osiris, god of the Egyptian underworld, and was cast during Dynasty 26, “The Late Period” between 760 and 330 B.C. (The photo on the right, for comparison, is of a similar bronze, but one in much better condition than the Woodman’s piece.)

Osiris’s folded arms hold a flail (a farming tool, symbol of being the food provider for his people) and he wears an Atef crown/headdress and sports a traditional false beard.

Curators have no idea how this ancient artifact ended up in Dover. There’s another Egyptian piece at the Museum that may be even older! Come see!

If you're interested in this and more, the Woodman Museum is at 182 Central Avenue, Dover, and is open Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 603-742-1038. Information about the Centennial Gala July 23 and other anniversary events found at woodmanmuseum.org.