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LOT 0002
Egyptian Bifacial Magical Stela with Bes
PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, CIRCA 280-180 B.C
4 1/2 in. (450 grams total, 11.6 cm high including stand).
Upper portion of an arch-top limestone stele fragment with two dressed faces; the obverse lunette features a winged sun disc flanked by uraei and two partial rows of incised pseudo-hieroglyphs below; the reverse displays the head of the god Bes in high relief, with traces of the head of the young Horus immediately below, who would have been depicted grasping the two partially preserved snakes and a scorpion carved in raised relief to the right; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
ProvenanceFrossart Collection, France, by the 19th century.
Private collection, London, UK.
Cf. Sternberg-El Hotabi, H., Untersuchungen zur Überlieferungsgeschichte der Horusstelen (2 parts), Ägyptologische Abhandlungen 62, Wiesbaden, 1999, part 2, pp. 25, 139, pl. XVIII, for a similarly arranged cippus, now in Edinburgh (inv. no. A.1955.179).
FootnotesAlthough fragmentary, this stela is easily recognisable as a Horus cippus or magical stela. They were used to heal ailments caused by snake or scorpion venom. Ancient Egyptians believed that water poured over these cippi would turn into a healing liquid that the afflicted could drink or apply to their bodies.
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AUCTIONS:
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Romano-Egyptian Limestone Funerary Niche
Coptic, 5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
Carved architectural block fragment comprising: a shallow niche with arched top and parallel sides, with concentric mouldings to create a reveal and ledge below to accept offerings; horizontal tiered base; attachment sockets for two figurines (absent) flanking the niche; to left, a column modelled in the half-round with two parallel vertical stems, shallow roundel to the base and stylised foliage at the top; pediment above with scooped profile; above each figurine recess an incised initial, 'A' and 'M'; facing surface keyed for plaster finish. 57.55 kg, 49 cm
From the estate and private collection of Matthew Upham (1962-2025), an antiques trader from Budleigh Salterton, Devon, UK. Acquired at an estate sale at auction. Property of a Cambridgeshire, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no. 13297-255939.
In the Christian Roman Empire, the stelae in the form of aedicula, which could be funerary monuments with crosses or the images of the deceased, or devotional niches with images of saints, appear to be independent sculptures. These stelae consisted of a rectangular body surmounted by a circular arch or trapezoidal structure. At the centre of the niche, the deceased was often depicted full-length, in a praying position (orans). Devotional stelae were also placed inside a church or shrine, with images of the Virgin and Child, or saints. -
Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
With detailing to the body and head, ribbed suspension loop above the head. 0.94 grams, 19 mm
Ex London, UK, gentleman, 1990s.
Fly amulets were believed to protect against insect bites and to ward off troublesome flying creatures through apotropaic magic. Some believe they may have even symbolised the fly’s fecundity. Additionally, pharaohs would bestow gold fly-shaped pendants as military awards to honour the bravery and persistence of soldiers in battle. -
Egyptian Black Stone Scarab
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Lightly incised detailing to the carapace, underside with a crouching ibex in profile; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.05 grams, 16 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
