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LOT 0002
Egyptian Bronze and Glass Inlaid Ostrich Feather from an Atef Crown
LATE PERIOD-PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, CIRCA 664-30 B.C.
11 1/4 in. (244 grams total, 18.5 cm).
Stylised ostrich plume surmounting a ram's horn, uraeus with sun disk to one side; side tang and loop on the underside for attachment; the plume decorated with a series of narrow horizontal recesses to accept inlays, with some original remaining as well as later replacements in blue glass.
ProvenanceUK private collection of Werner Forman (1921-2010), formed between 1950-1980.
LiteratureCf. Tiribilli, E., The bronze figurines of the Petrie Museum from 2000 BC to AD 400, GHP Egyptology 28, London, 2018, p.289, cat. no.461, for a comparable element.
FootnotesThe atef crown consists of a central element similar to the hedjet or White Crown, flanked by two ostrich feathers, often with a pair of ram's horns beneath and uraei on either side. The meaning of atef is uncertain, but it may mean either 'his might' or 'his terror'. The crown first appeared in the 5th Dynasty and is particularly associated with the underworld god Osiris.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0002
Egyptian Bronze and Glass Inlaid Ostrich Feather from an Atef Crown
Sold for (Inc. bp): £650
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Egyptian Painted Wooden Mummy Mask
4th-3rd century B.C.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,600
Displaying semi-naturalistic detailing in relief, beneath a band of headdress ornament composed of rows of architectural dot-and-dash and zig-zag patterns over a segmental panel, possible hieroglyphs to the top tier; attachment pegs to the sides of the face and through the head; extensive remains of painted black pigmentation and composition fill to the eyes. 677 grams, 36 cm
From a French estate, acquired between 1960 and 1980. with SAS Cornette de Saint Cyr Auction, Paris, Vente 882, Mobilier et Objets d'art, 2 December 2014, lot 69. Accompanied by a copy of a French cultural passport no.167062. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Alberto Maria Pollastrini. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11807-206837. -
Large Egyptian Blue Faience Scarab
750-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
With boldly indicated head, clypeus, prothorax, and elytra; flat underside; holes at the head, back, and sides for attachment. 19.5 grams, 50 mm
with Beaussant Lefèvre, 17 November 2015, no.48. Acquired by the present owner from the above.
Scarabs were often used as funerary amulets and were believed to symbolise the rebirth and regeneration of the deceased. -
Egyptian Faience Amulet of an Ibis
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £500 - 700 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
An exquisitely modelled figure of a seated ibis on a trapezoidal-shaped plinth, with its beak resting on the slender feather of Maat; light turquoise glaze for the body, plinth, and feather; blue glaze for the tail feathers, feet and neck; head missing. 3.54 grams, 31 mm
with Bonhams, Knightsbridge, 3 October 2000, no.413. Private collection, Europe.
The ibis was considered sacred to the god Thoth. It is likely that the popularity of amulets depicting an ibis resting its beak on the feather of Maat in the funerary sphere is connected to Thoth's role as the recorder of the final judgment of the deceased by the divine tribunal. This tribunal determined if the deceased had lived a virtuous life and could enter the Underworld. This was visually represented by the deceased's heart placed on scales with the feather of Maat; if the heart and feather balanced, eternity was assured.
