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LOT 0012
Egyptian Bronze Anubis Finial
LATE PERIOD-PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 664-30 B.C.
5 in. (377 grams total, 12.5 cm high including stand).
Standing before an enigmatic balloon-like object on a rectangular base with two supports flanking a short shank; mounted on a custom-made stand.
ProvenanceBelieved to have been collected (1899-1914) and in an early 20th century collection, with some references to Psamtik I, and a German funded expedition.
Ex Ludwig Borchardt, Heliop.
Private collection of Mr T.H., Norfolk, UK.
Accompanied by a handwritten note from Ludwig Borchardt.
Cf. Tiribilli, E., The bronze figurines of the Petrie Museum from 2000 BC to AD 400, GHP Egyptology 28, London, 2018, p.184, cat.no.259, for a less elaborate Wepwawet standard terminal.
FootnotesWepwawet, the canine god, is strongly linked with Abydos and kingship. His name means 'Opener of the Ways' and may have had military connotations as someone who clears the path for his king. In funerary texts, Wepwawet guided the dead through the Underworld. The image of the god on a standard, as seen in this example, was carried in processions associated with Osiris and kingship. The balloon-like object, known as shed-shed, is mysterious but may have symbolised the royal placenta, which was considered the king's 'double'.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Large Egyptian Faience Djed Pillar Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £845
Olive-green glazed composition amulet with ribbed panel, flared base; mounted on a custom-made stand. 78 grams total, 12.5 cm high including stand
Ex Phillipps collection, with old labels to verso. Private collection of Mr T.H., Norfolk, UK.
The djed pillar signifies the concepts of 'permanence' and 'stability' and was a common funerary amulet from the Old Kingdom onwards. It was first associated with the gods Ptah and Sokar, but later became a symbol of Osiris, representing the god's backbone. In this context, the djed pillar appears in Chapter 155 of the Book of the Dead, concerned with the resurrection of the deceased. -
Egyptian Faience Pataikos Amulet
Ptolemaic Period, 4th-3rd century B.C.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
Depicting the creator god in the form of the dwarf god Pataikos, modelled nude with stylised anatomical detailing, holding two knives to his stomach, squatting on an oval base; a scarab on the top of his cap; ribbed suspension loop to reverse; mounted on a custom-made display base. 29.6 grams total, 66 mm high including stand
Ex private French collection. with Thierry Maigret, Hotel Drouot, Paris, 12 July 2005, 76.
The Egyptian deity Pataikos is a special manifestation of the creator god Ptah, and the dwarf-like appearance symbolises his magical power. As a protective deity, amulets of Pataikos were worn for their apotropaic qualities; Pataikos was often depicted subjugating poisonous animals such as snakes and scorpions, and Pataikos amulets were probably worn to protect the wearer from such animals. -
Egyptian Painted Limestone Shabti for Abet-iyiry
Late New Kingdom, circa 1100 B.C.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
With remains of pigment to the tripartite wig, face and eyes; vertical band of hieroglyphic inscription in black on the front giving dedication: 'sḥḏ wsir Ꜣbt-iyiry(?) mꜢʾ ḫrw' ‘The illuminated, the Osiris, Abet-iyiry(?), true of voice’; with remains of red borders and red detailing to the back. 162 grams, 13.3 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
