Roman Empire, ca. 100 to 300 CE. This is a simple bronze herm of a man with his genitals, large pectoral muscles, and straight hair his only distinguishing features. He has a loop atop his head as if to attach him to a chain. Herm or herma are sculptures with a head, sometimes a torso, and male genitals carved at the appropriate height. They are thought to derive from the ancient Greek practice of worshiping divinities that were in the form of cairns or columns of stone or wood. These later evolved into adding a head and phallus to the column. Many herma are of Hermes himself, but others -- both gods and real figures like Socrates and Plato -- are known. Statues like this one were apotropaic and kept in many places -- at crossroads, in temples, in public places, and in homes. This figure would have been protective for its owner. Size: 1.3" W x 3.8" H (3.3 cm x 9.7 cm).

Provenance: Ex-private M. Reiniger collection, Chicago, IL.

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#111366

Patina and wear; the head is slightly bent to one side; features clear.