Egypt, Romano-Egyptian period, ca. 1st century BCE to 1st century CE. A mold-made votive statue of two Harpocrates figures standing on either side of a tall pillar. Each depiction of the god is nude aside from a cloak throw over the shoulders. A bunch of grapes hangs from either side of the column above the head of each god. This type of figure was probably created for a personal altar. Size: 1.5" L x 2.8" W x 5.3" H (3.8 cm x 7.1 cm x 13.5 cm)

During the Ptolemaic period, Isis-Hathor, Serapis, and Harpocrates formed the Triad of Alexandria. The terracotta molds used for manufacturing votives like this one were made from a dark red-brown Nile silt and have been found in the remains of vast workshops. These votive figures were made for locals, but reflected the influence of Greek naturalistic styles in their depictions of the deities. They were bought by individuals and are found overwhelmingly in domestic contexts. Harpocrates was the god of silence, secrets, and confidentiality.

Provenance: private New York, USA estate; previously private Antwerp, Belgium collection, acquired early 1980s

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#120889

Intact, with vivid form and tiny patches of encrustation in low profile areas.