A pale green faience amulet of Harpocrates, the Greek name for Heru-pa-khered, or Horus the Child, who was the son of Isis and Osiris. The figure wears a cap paired with the sidelock of youth, as is typical for images of the child god. He is shown naked, holding an index finger up to his mouth or chin. While Greeks and Romans later misinterpreted this gesture as a symbol for silence and secrets, in Egypt it was simply the hieroglyph for "child" or a nod to childhood. There is a suspension loop on his back. Supplied with (but not attached to) a perspex display base.
Egyptian Late Period: Circa 664-30 BC
Very Fine condition.
Height 34.5 mms (1.35 ins)
Provenance: Ex London gallery; previously in a 1930’s Home counties UK collection.
Harpocrates personified the newborn sun. Amulets served as a protective charm and symbol of hope and rebirth. They were not just worn during life; they were also placed on mummies to provide continued protection in the afterlife.