Temple boy holding a bird and wearing a short-sleeved tunic, string of amulets with seal-rings, and wrist bracelets
Datemid-4th c. BCE
Periodlate Classical
Object GeographyCyprus
Geography NotesSaid to have been "found in the ruins of a temple" at Kourion, Cyprus
MediumLimestone with red paint
DimensionsOverall: 11 5/8 × 9 7/16 × 4 3/4 in. (29.6 × 24 × 12 cm)
ClassificationsSculpture
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 view
325-50 BC
325-50 BC
325-50 BC
325-50 BC
late 6th to mid-5th c. BCE
325-50 BC
325-50 BC
325-50 BC