Ptolemaic Prince

This royal teen wears a circular diadem with a uraeus (cobra), symbolizing his divine authority. His wavy hair and naturalistic face reflect the influence of Hellenistic sculpture during the Ptolemaic era (when pharaohs of Greek origin or heritage ruled Egypt). The figure’s body—with long limbs and a short wrapper—recalls Egyptian precedents. Unlike Kuba ndop, which use distinct visual symbols to identify rulers (such as the drum bearing a hand motif on the figure at left), pharaonic Egyptian sculptures use hieroglyphic text to identify subjects by name. The blank pillar at the figure’s back suggests the sculpture is unfinished. Although this figure is unidentified by hieroglyphics, his youth, crown, and Hellenistic style suggest that he is Caesarion, son of Cleopatra VII and Julius Caesar.