Statue of Herieus, Prophet of Harpocrates, the Great God who resides in Mendes
Egypt, Ptolemaic Period, 4th-2nd century BC
Nummulitic limestone
H: 103 cm
Provenance: Swiss collection, 1980’s; thence G.W., Germany, 1990’s
Hieroglyphic texts are engraved on the belt (short presentation of the statue’s owner) and the back pillar (one column of text with a detailed presentation of Herieus, a second with a declaration by the owner to his father that he is an exemplary heir, a third column is an appeal to the living).
A demotic text engraved behind the left leg is a repetition of Herieus’ presentation
(courtesy Prof. Olivier Perdu)