ClassificationsAncient Egyptian Art

Statuette of Harpocrates

CultureEgyptian

PeriodLate Period, Dynasty 28-30

Date404-343 BCE

MediumCopper alloy, glass

Credit LineGift of the 2015 Visiting Board, with in-kind support from anonymous donors

Dimensions6 15/16 x 1 7/16 x 3 7/8 in. (17.6 x 3.7 x 9.8 cm)

Object number2015.034.001

Label TextThis statue depicts Harpocrates or Horus the Child. The name Harpocrates is the Greek translation of the Egyptian name Hor-Pa-Khered. He is first mentioned in the Pyramid Texts as "Horus the Child with his finger in his mouth". Depicted as a nude boy, Harpocrates wears the nemes headdress with the sidelock of youth. The uraeus on his brow indicates the god's status as the king of Egypt. The inlaid glass eyes imbue the statue with life. In Late Period and Ptolemaic Egypt, the cult of Harpocrates was popular in Alexandria, Memphis, Hermopolis Magna, as well as other cities. Produced in temple workshops, votive statues of Harpocrates were dedicated by pilgrims to the god. Small statuettes were also used for private worship inside the home and placed in cult niches.
Published ReferencesAnitquarium, Ltd., Ancient Treasures (New York: Antiquarium, Ltd., 2003), 6.

ProvenanceEx coll. D. Compagno, New York, New York, purchased from Piero Tozzi (1882-1974), New York, New York, early 1960s. With Joseph Coplin (1965-2022) and Robin Beningson [Antiquarium, Ltd.], New York, New York, from 1993. Purchased by MCCM from Antiquarium.

Status

Not on view

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