A Romano-Egyptian hollow moulded terracotta statuette of a young male. The figure is depicted wearing a tall conical hat, a Phrygian cap and a draped cloak upon his shoulders. A curved protrusion, possibly a serpent, wraps around his torso. The facial features, hair and clothing folds are finely crafted but is now worn with age. The combination of the Phrygian cap and the serpent, could point to this being a representation of the Roman god Mithras. Mithraism, or the Cult of Mithras, was a Roman mystery religion originating in the East. As an all-male cult, it was particularly popular among the Imperial Roman army from the 1st to the 4th century AD. Mithra was considered as a sun god by the Greeks and Romans and was honoured as the patron of loyalty to the emperor during the 2nd to the 3rd century AD. However, after the acceptance of Christianity by the emperor Constantine in the early 4th century AD, Mithraism rapidly declined. Measurements: H 14.5cm x W 6cm Provenance: Private UK collection.