Object Description
A Phoenician-Egyptian bronze pendant embodying the deity, Harpocrates. Overflowing with character, this small wearable figurine is depicted with his knees slightly bent and is leaning forward as if sitting. His right arm is raised to his face with his finger characteristically pressed against his lips. In his left arm, he clutches a cornucopia. Upon his head there is a diminutive version of the double crown of Egypt; this well-known symbol was emblematic of royal authority, and recognised Harpocrates’ filial relationship in the Egyptian canon to Horus, who also was frequently represented with the crown. Pharoah’s would too wear the headpiece to show that they were earthly manifestations of Horus. There is a suspension loop attached to the back of the figure, indicative of its former function as an amuletic charm.
Date: Circa 6th-4th Century BC