Ancient Egypt, Ptolemaic Period, ca. 332 to 30 BCE. A hand-carved limestone dwarf figure possessing a massive phallus. The kneeling figure holds both arms out to the base of the phallus, and the entire carving is embellished with applied red pigment. This figure is perhaps a dwarf-sized representation of the god Harpocrates. Harpocrates was the god of silence, secrets, and confidentiality, and the ithyphallic symbols were perceived in the Roman period as good luck charms, specifically for bringing about good fortune. Size: 3.03" L x 0.63" W x 1.74" H (7.7 cm x 1.6 cm x 4.4 cm); 2.53" H (6.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Cf. The British Museum, museum number N.2159

Provenance: ex-Royal Athena Galleries, New York City, New York, USA; ex-Bonhams London, May 1998

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#184942

Abrasions and small nicks, with light fading to pigment, darkening to one side of phallus, and softening to some finer details, otherwise in great condition. Nice preservation of form, and good remains of red pigment.