Egypt, Ptolemaic Period, ca. 332 to 30 BCE. An exceptional pottery sculpture of an ithyphallic (erect phallus) Osiris figure known as a "corn" or pseudo-mummy with impressive remains of cartonnage or mummy wrappings and surfaces blackened by resin. Containing corn, wheat, or barley, corn mummies were formed from wax, sand, or earth - as this one was made from air-dried clay. The nude deity is depicted with impressive naturalism as he stands atop straight legs with arms to the sides of his slender torso. He faces forward, presenting a visage of sunken eyes with liberal remains of gold inlay, a broad nose, full cheeks, and a closed mouth, all crowned by a tripartite wig with incised parallel striations. A lengthy false beard extends from his chin, while the remnants of a projecting phallus can be seen below his tapering abdomen. Size: 3.7" W x 13.9" H (9.4 cm x 35.3 cm); 16.6" H (42.2 cm) on included custom stand.

According to the Brooklyn Museum, "The Greek historian Herodotus visited Egypt in about 450 B.C.E. and in his writings associated animal mummies with pilgrimages and festivals in which kings performed rituals. The best archaeological evidence for ritual objects created for Egyptian festivals are, however, so-called corn mummies...Images of Osiris made of grain, wax, and earth contained in wooden coffins were created in connection with such annual festivals as Khoiak, which linked the god Osiris to the fertility of the earth. The grain sprouted from the earth, symbolizing renewal, rejuvenation, and the cycle of life and death."

A nearly identical ithyphallic corn / Osiris mummies can be found in the Egyptian Museum in Barcelona, Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, and Kunst Historisches Museum, Vienna, Inventory number 10077.

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report is available to the buyer upon request.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#172736

Loss of phallus, proper right foot, left fingers, eyes, and left lower leg and foot. Professionally repaired with some break lines visible. Chipping with areas of minor loss and stable fissures, as well as expected nicks, abrasions, and some softening of finer details. Otherwise, nicely preserved with great remains of cartonnage and light earthen deposits. TL holes to right leg and left shoulder.