Head from a figure of a child god, perhaps Harpokrates

Late Period (Saite)–Ptolemaic Period

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 130

This tiny head likely comes from the figure of a child god, perhaps Harpokrates, son of Isis and Osiris. The god’s youth is indicated by the braided sidelock that emerges from the cap that covers his head. Despite its small size, the face is carefully crafted, and the clearly delineated features are well preserved.

Beginning in the Third Intermediate Period (ca. 1000-700 B.C.), child gods grew in importance, and were especially popular as temple offerings. The best known of these was Harpokrates (Horus the Child, or Hor-pa-khered), but since this head preserves no inscription, it could also represent a different youthful deity, such as Khonsu the Child, Ihy, or Harsiese.

Head from a figure of a child god, perhaps Harpokrates, Faience

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Head from a figure of a child god, perhaps Harpokrates, Faience
Head from a figure of a child god, perhaps Harpokrates, Faience
Head from a figure of a child god, perhaps Harpokrates, Faience
Head from a figure of a child god, perhaps Harpokrates, Faience
Head from a figure of a child god, perhaps Harpokrates, Faience
Head from a figure of a child god, perhaps Harpokrates, Faience

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.