Temple boy holding a bird and wearing a short-sleeved tunic, string of amulets with seal-rings, and wrist bracelets
Datemid-4th century BCE
Periodlate Classical
Object GeographyCyprus
CultureCypriot
Geography NotesSaid to have been "found in the ruins of a temple" at Kourion, Cyprus
MediumLimestone
ClassificationSculpture
Credit LineBequest of John Ringling, 1936
Object numberSN28.1803
Sculptures of seated young boys, known as temple boys, were dedicated in temples on Cyprus and in other parts of the eastern Mediterranean. Most likely they mark the Semitic ritual of circumcision. They often have short or shaved hair, reveal their genitalia, and hold animals and breads as temple offerings.
On View
Not on viewHeight: 11 7/16 in. (29 cm)
Width (at knee): 9 1/16 in. (23 cm)
Thickness: 6 5/16 in. (16 cm)
Base
Width: 8 3/16 in. (20.75 cm)
Thickness: 4 5/16 in. (11 cm)
Face
Height: 3 13/16 in. (9.67 cm)
Width (cheek to cheek): 2 15/16 in. (7.54 cm)
Width (at ears): 3 7/16 in. (8.7 cm)
Bird
Height: 3 7/16 in. (8.8 cm)
Width: 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm)
Thickness: 15/16 in. (2.4 cm)
Amulet, ring (A)
Length: 11/16 in. (1.74 cm)
Width: 7/16 in. (1.08 cm)
Diameter (setting): 3/4 in. (1.92 cm)
Diameter (setting, interior): 1/2 in. (1.22 cm)
Amulet, ring (B)
Length: 3/4 in. (1.97 cm)
Width: 1/2 in. (1.22 cm)
Diameter (setting): 13/16 in. (2.01 cm)
Diameter (setting, interior): 1/2 in. (1.21 cm)
Amulets, long pendants
Width: 5/16 in. (0.83 cm)
Length: 13/16 in. (1.95 cm to 2.08 cm)
Amulet, wide rolled
Width: 7/8 in. (2.21 cm)
Diameter: 5/16 in. (0.81 cm)
Bracelet (left arm)
Diameter (exterior): 1 5/16 in. (3.27 cm)
Circlet (left arm)
Diameter: 5/16 in. (0.78 cm)
Bracelet (right arm)
Diameter (exterior): 1 5/8 in. (4.15 cm)
Circlet (right arm)
Diameter: 3/8 in. (0.95 cm)
Medium Details
Color
Patina on stone: 7.5 YR 8/3 (pink), where surface patina has worn off 5Y 8/1 (white)
Inclusions
n/a
325-50 BC
325-50 BC
325-50 BC
325-50 BC
325-50 BC