Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Hermanubis

 


This statuette features an upright youth deemed by Dr. Weber a representation of Hermanubis. The head is turned slightly to the left, and the face has a boyish appearance. A cylindrical cape that has an anterior tongue-shaped ornament crowns the cranial vault. The lad appears naked apart from a knee-length cloak wrapped around his waist and left shoulder. A palm branch is carried in the left hand. Originally, the right hand probably carried a kerykeion or caduceus that has been lost since. 

The face is worn, and small patches of corrosion are seen mostly on the nape. A shiny green-black patina covers the entire surface. The piece is otherwise well preserved. It is solid cast. 

Provenance:  ʿAnẖil. Acquired from the property of Mr. Faris as-Saballeh on August 31, 1958. 
Substance: bronze. 
Dimensions: H 8.2 cm, W 3.4 cm, D 1.8 cm. 
Era: second or third century CE. 
Text: adapted from Weber (p.39).




Thomas M. Weber. Sculptures from Roman Syria in the Syrian National Museum of Damascus. Vol I, from Cities and Villages in Central and Southern Syria. Wernersche Verlagsgesellschaft. Worms. 2006.

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