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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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Egyptian Amethyst Bead Necklace with Scaraboid
Middle Kingdom, 2010-1961 B.C. and laterEstimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £325
Restrung using oblate amethyst beads, lavender-coloured scaraboid to the centre with incised anatomical detailing; modern clasp. 28.7 grams, 47 cm long
Acquired 1930-1940. From an early 20th century collection, London, UK. -
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Egyptian Bronze Figure of Osiris Wearing Plumed Atef Crown
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
With frontal uraeus, holding the crook and flail in his hands; mounted on a custom-made stand. 70 grams total, 15.2 cm high including stand
Old Dutch collection, acquired prior to 1985. Ex Netherlands ancient art gallery. Ex Artemission, London SW5, UK. Private collection of Mr T.H., Norfolk, UK. Accompanied by a previous dealer's certificate of authenticity and invoice.
Osiris is a deity who represents both death and fertility and is commonly regarded as the quintessential god of rebirth. Though he was once a mortal ruler, as a deceased entity his domain was the Underworld. Abydos was the primary centre of Osiris’ cult, where a renowned yearly celebration of the god was held. Statues of Osiris were dedicated at temples throughout Egypt to ensure the god's protection and blessings. -
Egyptian Faience Amulet with Figures
Late Period-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
The large architectural amulet, rectangular in section with base and scarab finial; the narrow sides each with a high-relief standing figure, both holding a flail, wearing a royal nemes headdress and solar disc; the wider sides each with a facing male figure within a naos surmounted by a smaller facing figure, one Harpocrates holding a snake, the other Bes(?) with a high-plumed headress; repaired. 100 grams, 95 mm
Ex property of a London gentleman; acquired in the 1970s. Private collection of Mr T.H., Norfolk, UK.
The presence of Harpocrates holding a snake and possibly Bes, suggests that this functioned as a cippus amulet offering protection and with curative properties.
