A French archaeological mission, led by Joachim le Bomin and in collaboration with Lyon University and the French Institute of Eastern Archaeology in Cairo, has uncovered a significant discovery at the ancient site of Taposiris Magna, 45 km west of Alexandria. The team unearthed a remarkable marble statue head dating back to the Ptolemaic period, a stunning find that was recently announced by Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy.
The statue head, measuring approximately 38 cm in height, is notably larger than life, suggesting it was once part of a larger statue originally placed in a prominent political or public structure, rather than a private residence. This discovery raises intriguing questions about the use and display of art during the Ptolemaic era, particularly in the context of political power and public life.
A Glimpse into the Ptolemaic Period:
Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), emphasized that the scale of the statue head points to its likely role in a public or political setting. The Ptolemaic period, known for its flourishing of realistic portraiture, was a time when such sculptures were often commissioned to honor prominent figures in society.
Mohamed Abdel Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the SCA, described the statue as a masterpiece, crafted with exceptional attention to detail that reflects the realistic style prevalent in the late Hellenistic period. This adds to the ongoing narrative of Egypt’s artistic and cultural evolution under the Ptolemaic dynasty.
An Intriguing Figure:
The preliminary analysis of the statue’s features reveals an elderly man with a shaved head and a stern expression, showing signs of illness, which further indicates the individual’s high social standing. While the figure is clearly significant, the current studies suggest he was not a king but rather a notable public figure. This reinforces the idea that Taposiris Magna, a site of strategic importance during the reign of Ptolemy IV and beyond, was a hub for the representation of influential individuals.
Joachim le Bomin, the head of the excavation mission, shared that the discovery raises important questions regarding the placement of such a statue head in a 7th-century AD house, centuries after it was originally created.
Preservation and Future Studies:
As part of their ongoing work, the team will begin restoration and conservation efforts on the statue head. The goal is not only to preserve the integrity of this remarkable artifact but also to unlock more details about the identity of the individual it represents and the significance of Taposiris Magna during the Ptolemaic period.
