Hermes with Ram

Stones called hermes protected all Greco-Roman crossroads. The sign of the cross originally invoked the four sacred directions of Hermes. He was considered the Master Philosopher in Arab, Greek and medieval cultures. He is shown wearing an Etruscan peasant hat, carrying a ram, holding a caduceus and wearing winged sandals. His wise face implies hermetic knowledge. [Boston Museum, c. 400 BCE.]  8" gypsumstone statue, walnut shell color finish.