Harpocrates seal
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.
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
- Title: Harpocrates seal
- Period: Late Period
- Dynasty: Dynasty 26–30
- Date: 664–332 B.C.
- 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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ca. 945–525 B.C.
300 B.C. approximately
664–332 B.C.
ca. 825–773 B.C.
610–595 BC
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