More About Molded Terracottas

This is a mold-made lamp featuring the Egyptian deities Bes and Beset. Bes is on the lamp’s left and Beset is on the right. These two Egyptian deities were worshipped in households and were thought to have influence over music, dance, and childbirth. They are often are short, squat figures that have some lion-like facial features. Their representations were thought to possess proactive qualities and were depicted on many household items such as lamps, bedposts, and amulets. There were no formal temples to either of these deities so worship primarily happened in the house, with objects like this lamp.

This figurine is a representation of Harpocrates, the god Horus in child form. Religion and farming were important in Roman Egyptian daily life, and this deity was known for the protection of children and assuring the abundance of agriculture. In antiquity, figurines like this one could have been purchased at a temple and then brought to one’s home. The statuette would be displayed in a niche designated for representations of deities, such as Isis, for daily worship. Imagine this particular figurine bringing comfort and peace to ancient worshippers in a manner similar to religious icons found in today’s homes.