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,”...
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 is a granite mortar that would have been used, along with a pestle, to crush and grind ingredients or substances for dietary and medicinal purposes.
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...
This terracotta figurine represents Aphrodite, the goddess of love. During Egypt’s Graeco-Roman period, Aphrodite held a prominent place in both mythology and religious worship. Known for her association with beauty, femininity, and romance, Aphrodite was...
This bowl is an example of terra sigillata tableware which was popular in Italy and Gaul. Terra sigillata can be reconginzed by its glossy surface slip which can range in color from pale orange to bright red. At the center of the vessel, within two circles, is the...
This terracotta oil lamp is an example of a Roman relief lamp, a type of decorative lamp that features relief ornamentation on the body’s concave upper surface, known as the discus. This particular type of lamp originated in ancient Italy and was later adopted and...
This lamp is an example of a Roman relief lamp, a type of decorative lamp that features relief ornamentation on the body’s concave upper surface known as the discus. This particular type of lamp originated in ancient Italy but was later adopted and copied throughout...
