Egyptian Bronze Harpocrates Amulet

Late Period to Ptolemaic Period, c. 664–30 BC, Egypt

A cast bronze amulet depicting Harpocrates—Horus the Child—crafted in a style that reflects both Egyptian and Phoenician artistic influence. The youthful deity is shown standing with knees slightly bent, leaning forward as if in mid-step. His right hand is raised to his lips in the characteristic gesture associated with childhood in ancient Egypt, while his left arm cradles a cornucopia, symbol of abundance and prosperity. Atop his head rests a diminutive double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt, a potent emblem of royal authority and a direct link to his father, Horus, who was also depicted wearing this regal headdress. Pharaohs themselves adopted the crown to affirm their divine role as earthly manifestations of Horus.

A suspension loop is neatly cast on the reverse, allowing the amulet to be worn as a protective charm. Harpocrates, the son of Isis and Osiris, occupied a unique place in Egyptian religion as the divine child, symbolizing renewal, protection, and the continuation of the royal line. When his cult was adopted by the Greeks and Romans, the Egyptian gesture for “child” was misinterpreted as the sign for silence—transforming Harpocrates into the god of secrecy, discretion, and hidden knowledge in the classical world.

This rare pendant is a compelling artifact that bridges two great cultural traditions, combining Egyptian religious symbolism with a classical reinterpretation that would influence iconography for centuries. A powerful and evocative piece for any collection of ancient amulets, Egyptian bronzes, or cross-cultural antiquities.

Good condition. Intact. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age. Beautiful dark brown-green patina. Size approx. 1,7cm x 0,6cm x 0,5cm.

Provenance: Danish private collection. Acquired in the 1950s.

For a similar examples see:

Harpocrates Amulet, National Museums Liverpool, World Museum, Accession Number: M11601c (https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/artifact/harpocrates-amulet-3)

Amulet; figure, The British Museum, Accession Number: H1029.1 (https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/X__6311?selectedImageId=1155122001)

References and further reading:

Amulets of Ancient Egypt, Carol Andrews, University of Texas Press, 1994. pp. 82-83, p. 86, 98, no. 99b.

Talismans & amulets, Felicitas H. Nelson, New York: Sterling, 2008.

Ancient Egyptian Amulets, Isabel Stünkel, In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, February 2019. (http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/egam/hd_egam.htm)

Handbook of Egyptian mythology, Geraldine Pinch, Santa Barbara, Calif.: ABC-CLIO, 2002.

Egypt in the New Kingdom (ca. 1550–1070 B.C.), Catharine H. Roehrig, In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, October 2000. (http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/nking/hd_nking.htm)