Egypt, Romano-Egyptian period, ca. 30 BCE to 2nd century CE. A fascinating image of a dwarf-like figure with an enormous phallus that he holds against one shoulder. This mold-made ceramic votive figure has well-detailed clothing, a face with wrinkled details, and a pointed cap. Dwarfs were important in Egyptian society, performing roles as varied as government administrator and midwife. Given their unusual appearance, dwarves were also associated with the supernatural, believed to have a special relationship with the gods. This votive figure was probably made to pray for virility. Size: 6.125" H (15.6 cm); 6.5" H (16.5 cm) on included custom stand.

See a similar figure at the Walters, Baltimore, USA, in faience: http://art.thewalters.org/detail/9556/plaque-with-a-dancing-dwarf-with-large-phallus/

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex Audrey Davies, acquired in the 1980s; ex private UK collection

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#129653

Repaired and restored, with repairs almost impossible to see. Lower legs are lost. Nicely preserved details with light encrustation.