Egyptian Blue Faience Bead Necklace with Taweret

Comprising: remains of a segmentum in yellow, green and brown wool over a red linen background, S torsion, embroidered with a central band and coloured buds; a near complete tablion with representation of a dancer, inside a rondo, with four hares running on the four corners, triangular border on the external edge. 33 grams total including package, 10.7-12.2 cm



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.

The central dancing figure, with her attributes and attitude, can only be interpreted as a Maenad, isolated from the Bacchic procession and abandoned to sacred trances.

Rectangular table with the upper part carved in high relief in the shape of a bread loaf on a mat representing the hieroglyphic sign for "offering" (ḥtp), with two rectangular recesses for libations, and extensive hieroglyphic inscriptions displaying offering formulae along with the titles and name of the deceased: "an offering that the king gives and Anubis, the one upon his mountain, a voice offering of bread and beer for the sole companion, god’s sealer, the revered one before the god, lord of the sky/heaven, In[y]". 14.75 kg, 45.5 cm



Acquired 1970s-1996. Private collection, Switzerland. with a North American collector. London collection, 2016. Accompanied by an academic report by Egyptologist Paul Whelan. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13001-244462.

Offering tables played a significant role in ritualistic activity within tombs. Their origins may be traced back to the simple act of placing a loaf of bread on a reed mat during Predynastic burials, which gradually evolved into a more formalised and durable expression in stone. The distinctive form also became a hieroglyph, used in words meaning “to be satisfied,” “to be satiated,” and similar expressions, reflecting appropriate sentiments for food and drink offerings.

With textured carapace, bull-horned column to the reverse, possibly a symbol of Tanit. 3.94 grams, 15 mm



From the property of the late Mr SM, London, UK, 1969-1999. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The widespread adoption of the scarab, both as a symbol linked to the concept of rebirth, and in its function as a seal, exemplifies the extent of Egyptian influence on Phoenician culture, from its origins in the Levant to its spread across the Mediterranean.