Egyptian Artefact Collection

The bifacial upper part of a handle featuring Hathor, depicted with cow ears and wearing a heavy wig with characteristically curled lappet ends and a broad collar; on either side a uraeus, one of which is wearing the crown of Lower Egypt, the other the Upper Egyptian crown; remains of the sistrum cradle above. 146 grams total, 10.7 cm including stand



with Galerie Gunter Phuze, Kunst der Antike 4, Freiburg, 1982, no.335. German private collection H. W. (1931-2018), acquired 1982. Accompanied by a copy of an IADAA Interpol search certificate. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Galerie Gunter catalogue pages.

The sistrum was a rattle-like instrument played exclusively by women in religious ceremonies. The sound produced by the sistrum was believed to drive away evil and soothe a god's anger. Hathor is the daughter of the sun god Re, and in her role as a mother goddess is often depicted as a cow or with bovine characteristics as here. Hathor is also associated with love, music and dancing, and the sistrum is one of her sacred symbols.

Comprising: a wooden arm from a diorama; a wooden sun disc with red pigment; a dark blue composition scaraboid; and a blue-glazed ring fragment with Wedjat eye to the bezel. 6.5 grams total, 18-83 mm



UK private collection. Acquired from Ancient & Oriental, Nottingham, UK, 1980. Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman.

With a round-section hoop, the wide bezel encrusted but with decoration beneath. 7.11 grams, 26.03 mm overall, 18.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)



Collected from 1969-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.