Macrophallic Figurine

Ptolemaic Period

ca. 332–30 B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 134

This male figure’s overly large phallus identifies it as belonging to a group of ithyphallic figures known from the late first millennium. Here the phallus is supported by a round object that appears to be a drum. Although harps are a more common musical instrument associated with these figures, because the figurines are linked to the celebration of festivals of a divine birth, a drum would certainly be appropriate choice.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Macrophallic Figurine
Period: Ptolemaic Period
Date: ca. 332–30 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt
Medium: Faience
Dimensions: H. 3.6 × L. 5.6 × D. 2 cm (1 7/16 × 2 3/16 × 13/16 in.)
Credit Line: Bequest of Nanette B. Kelekian, 2020
Object Number: 2021.41.121
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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