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This first- or second-century C.E., two-and-one-half-inch silver figure with gold chain from Roman London illustrates the reach of Egyptian culture in the ancient world. The statue is a representation of the infant Egyptian god Horus, known to Romans as Harpocrates, who was the son of Isis and Osiris. Though originating in Egypt, the cults of Isis, Osiris and Horus became nearly universal throughout the Roman Empire.

Isis was regarded as the mother of all gods, and Osiris, her spouse, was the god of the underworld. Horus was generally represented by a hawk, and indeed a small hawk is at the figure’s feet. Harpocrates, the infant Horus, was depicted as a small finger-sucking child with the right side-lock uncut. Other elements, such as Cupid’s wings, refer to other gods and thus emphasize Horus’s universality.

This particular statuette was found in the River Thames near the London Bridge. It is on display at the British Museum.