Egyptian Bronze Bastet Cat Amulet

A globular-shaped body with a disc base, short neck, and everted rim at the mouth; featuring a burnished red wash surface. 925 grams, 21 cm



Private collection. with Bonhams, London, 22 September 1998, no.130. European private collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Modelled in the round squatting on an ellipsoid base, lug to the underside, repaired. 114 grams, 60 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The ibis, particularly the sacred species known as the Egyptian ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus), held a prominent place in ancient Egyptian religion and culture as a manifestation of the god Thoth. Revered as the deity of wisdom, writing, and knowledge, Thoth was often depicted in human form with the head of an ibis. During the Late Period onwards, the practice of mummifying ibises became widespread, leading to the creation of vast necropolises dedicated to these sacred birds. In places like Saqqara and Hermopolis, thousands of ibis mummies have been discovered in specially constructed catacombs. The mummification of these birds was not merely a ritual act; it was seen as a sacred offering to Thoth, meant to honour the god and seek his favour. Egyptians believed that by preserving the ibis through mummification, they could ensure its safe passage to the afterlife, establishing a direct connection between the earthly realm and the divine. These mummies were often accompanied by votive offerings, like this bronze figurine, further emphasising the relationship between the ibises and Thoth.

Composed mainly of oblate and spherical beads, four poppy seed pendants, and a larger djed pillar pendant; restrung with a modern clasp. 12.68 grams, 43.5 cm



From an Israeli collection, formerly with the Archaeological Centre in Jaffa. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The djed pillar symbolises endurance and stability. Used as a funerary amulet since the Old Kingdom, it was first linked to Ptah and Sokar, later becoming associated with Osiris as his backbone. Chapter 155 of the Book of the Dead references it in the context of resurrection. Beads in the form of poppies were used to heal and alleviate pain and to ward off death. These types of amulets were also linked to Osiris, the Egyptian deity of agriculture, death, and the afterlife.