Romano-Egyptian Terracotta Head of the God Harpocrates

Roman Period, 300 BC–100 AD, Naukratis, Egypt

An exquisite example of Romano-Egyptian craftsmanship, this terracotta fragment captures the serene essence of Harpocrates, the Hellenic-Egyptian child god of silence and secrecy. The finely modeled face features almond-shaped eyes with sharply defined eyelids, a broad nose, and fleshy lips. Bald except for small tufts of hair and the distinctive side lock of a child, the head is adorned with remnants of an Egyptian Double Crown flanked by lotus buds held by a ribbon crossing above the brow (partially lost).

Harpocrates, the infant son of Isis and Horus, symbolized youth, fertility, and the promise of new life. He was also revered as the patron deity of childhood. The hollow form of this artifact, created using a two-piece mold, showcases expert tool modeling. Traces of a white gypsum coating remain, adding depth to its surface. The red-brown Nile silt fabric, abundant with fine mica and white limestone inclusions, indicates production in the Nile Delta, most likely Naukratis—a hub of cultural fusion in the Greco-Roman world.

This piece not only reflects the syncretism of Egyptian and Hellenistic traditions but also exemplifies the artistic and spiritual exchanges of the era. A timeless representation of divinity and cultural amalgamation. Excellent condition. Fragment. Age-related wear and abrasion. Smoothed surface with light deposits. Size approx. 5,3cm x 3,5cm x 2,8cm.

Provenance: private collection from England.

For a similar examples see:

Figure, The British Museum, Accession Number: NA705 (https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/X__761)

Figure, The British Museum, Accession Number: NA657 (https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/X__759)