The Etruscan votive statuette of a woman illustrates the Etruscan taste for the archaic style, which lingered in some parts of Etruria (mainly in the north and northeast) long after it had gone out of fashion in central and southern areas.The large head and face,...
Roman bronze statuette of a seated Hermes/Mercury portrays the god in heroic nudity save for a riding cloak on his left shoulder and back. His torso and head turn slightly to the left. The naturalistic style of the figure represents the artistic tradition that...
This knife provides a glimpse into the agricultural practices of Roman-era Egypt. Designed with a slightly curved blade, its purpose was to delicately cut grape clusters from vines. The Karanis collection includes various agricultural implements and processing...
This ceramic figurine depicts Bes, the ancient Egyptian god known for his role as a defender and protector. In this representation, Bes assumes the form of a warrior with distinct leonine and human features. Bes, considered one of the “domestic deities,”...
The Chnoubis amulet showcases a lion-headed serpent facing left. Its serpent form, intricately coiled, is adorned with seven or twelve rays encircling its head, sometimes arranged in pairs.The lion-headed snake design embodies the strength of a lion and solar...
This limestone statue has the face of a falcon and body of a crocodile, representing the god Soknopaios. Soknopaios was an important creator deity for the Egyptians, whose name means “Sobek of Dimeh in the Fayum.” Crocodile deities were popular throughout...
This faience amulet exhibits Bes in a vigilant pose. With a blend of human and leonine features, Bes wears a feathered headdress and squats with his hands resting on his knees, leaving his phallus exposed. A hole through the amulet’s head suggests its use as a...
This 2nd–3rd century CE object is the top half of a plaster mold that was used to cast terracotta figurines of Isis or Aphrodite, or more likely a syncretistic union of these two iconic goddesses, which scholars have designated “Isis-Aphrodite.” There are three main...
This painted jar, dating from the late Roman period to the beginning of the Byzantine period, offers a glimpse into the material culture of ancient Egypt. The most captivating feature of the jar is a wide band that spans the main body. It is divided into five...
This small wooden top is an example of an “action toy” excavated from Karanis. Toys like this one, similar to designs today, developed children’s sensorimotor skills. The wooden top could have been used for either individualized play or in group...
