Roman Empire, ca. 100 to 300 CE. This is a bronze herm of a stylized human figure wearing a wide-brimmed hat, known as a Petasos, widely used by people in antiquity working in the sun. This object is associated with the god Hermes. The figure's head and hat are large, while the rest of the body is more abstract and cross-shaped. Comes with custom stand. Size: 0.8" W x 1.75" H (2 cm x 4.4 cm); 3" tall with stand (7.6 cm).

Herm or herma are sculptures with a head, sometimes a torso, and male genitals carved at the appropriate height. They are thought to derive from the ancient Greek practice of worshipping divinities that were in the form of cairns or columns of stone or wood. These later evolved into adding a head and phallus to the column. Many herma, like this one, are of Hermes himself, but others -- both gods and real figures like Socrates and Plato -- are known. Statues like this one were apotropaic and kept in many places -- at crossroads, in temples, in public places, and in homes. This figure would have been protective for its owner.

Provenance: Ex-Private Florida collection acquired in the 1980's

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#119223

One arm is lost from the elbow, tiny loss to bottom of one foot. Patina overall.