Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. A hand-molded toy figure of a camel packed with two amphoras hanging on either side of its body. The camel's face is simple and playful; the body low and fat, with four short legs. Size: 6.5" L x 5" W x 4" H (16.5 cm x 12.7 cm x 10.2 cm)

Roman children were well-loved and had a plethora of toys, made from a variety of materials, just like toys today. These toys were also detailed according to a child's age; this one was probably for a child out of toddlerhood but not much older. It is interesting to think about its iconography - were the child's parents traders? Did they live by the sea or in a trading city and see caravans arrive with camels laden with goods? What kind of imaginative games would a child have played with this toy?

Provenance: Ex-Collection of Living Torah Museum, Brooklyn, NY; purchased on the Israel art market in 2005

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#119788

Neck has been repaired; three of the amphora arms have been replaced; losses to amphora rims and to bottom of one amphora.