Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 100 to 300 CE. A bronze herm of a man with a clearly defined face and shoulders, his only other delineated feature being his stylized genitals. He once had a loop for suspension on top of his head, and another remains on the back of his legs. Herm or herma are thought to derive from the ancient Greek practice of worshipping 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: 2" H (5.1 cm)

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA, collection acquired before 2000

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#122247

Smooth patina on surface with nicely preserved details. Loop for suspension on top of head is partially lost.