Personal Mirror Handle

Solid cast copper alloy papyrus column with open bud, on which stands a figure of the god Bes with a small disc on his head. May have functioned as a mirror handle; or served as a finial on the end of a staff in religious processions (compare with Fondation Gandur pou l'art no. FGA-ARCH-EG-23). Described by Professor Percy Newberry on the handwritten catalogue card as being of a “good technique” and dating to Ptolemaic or Romano-Egyptian period. It may be earlier in date.