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Harpocrates seal

Late Period
664–332 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 130
This small figurine depicts a naked, crouching boy with a uraeus (cobra) on his forehead to indicate his royal or divine status. A thick lock of hair falls from the right side of his head onto his shoulder and marks that he is a child. His proper right hand was originally held up with his finger reaching for his mouth in a gesture that likewise signifies youth. Despite its small size, this figurine is very nicely modelled and of high quality.

The underside bears an inscription and could have been used as a seal. The base is incomplete, but the inscription can be reconstructed as awish: "May Amun-RE give protection and all goodness." The name of the god Amun was written with an n-sign (a ripple of water) within an oval, a cryptographic writing that is known from the Third Intermediate Period on.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Harpocrates seal
  • Period: Late Period
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 26–30
  • Date: 664–332 BCE
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Steatite
  • Dimensions: H. 4.4 × W. 1.8 × D. 2.3 cm (1 11/16 × 11/16 × 7/8 in.)
  • Credit Line: Ludlow Bull Fund, 1960
  • Object Number: 60.15
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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