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LOT 0011
Egyptian Bronze Cat Head with Incised Scarab
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
2 1/4 in. (92.5 grams, 58 mm).
The head of goddess Bastet modelled in the round with alert ears and eyes, fine whisker detailing to the gently elongated muzzle, hair detailing to the inner edges of the ears and the lower outer edges pierced to accept separate earrings, incised scarab on the top of the head.
ProvenanceElizabeth Helene Demarest Osten Driesen (1892-1931).
Given as a gift to her granddaughter, Lady Annabel Sutherland, by descent in the late 1960s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12762-237137.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. Berlev, O. and Hodjash, S., Catalogue of Monuments of Ancient Egypt: From the Museums of the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Bielorussia, Caucasus, Middle Asia and the Baltic States, Orbis Biblicus et Orientalis 17, Fribourg/Göttingen, 1998, pl. 90 VI.34, for a similar example; Waziry, M., Vestiges of Ancient Egypt: The Bubasteion Votive Cachette at Saqqara, Houston, 2023, p. 68, no. 19, for a recently excavated wooden cat coffin with a bronze head still in place.
FootnotesIn ancient Egypt, the cat was venerated as the sacred animal of the goddess Bastet, whose principal cult centre was Bubastis in the Nile Delta. Although cats were once part of folk practice, their veneration as part of formal cults spread across Egypt during the Late Period. Bastet was closely linked to lion-headed goddesses like Sekhmet, Tefnut, and Pakhet, and the cat itself became associated with solar imagery: the Book of the Dead portrays the sun god as a Great Cat vanquishing Apophis beneath the sacred Ished Tree. The cat could also embody the Eye of the Sun or, more often in Bastet’s case, the Eye of the Moon. Mummified cats were frequently dedicated as votive offerings, and some of their feline-shaped coffins were adorned with finely crafted bronze heads to enhance their divine likeness.
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 Hardstone Heart Scarab
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
With stylised geometric ribbed carapace and underside. 16.6 grams, 33 mm
From an early 20th century collection. Ex London, UK, gallery. From a private UK collection This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The scarab amulet was one of ancient Egypt’s most widespread symbols, signifying rebirth, transformation, and protection. Modelled on the dung beetle associated with the sun god Khepri—believed to roll the sun across the sky—it symbolised the cycle of life and renewal. Widely used from the early Middle Kingdom onwards, scarabs served as funerary amulets (as here), personal charms, and seals, often inscribed with prayers or names. They reflect both spiritual beliefs and daily life in ancient Egypt. -
Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet
Late-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
With linear detailing to wings, raised eyes, pierced for suspension. 1.02 grams, 21 mm
Ex London, UK, art market, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Egyptian Faience Ram Statuette
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Modelled in a dynamic pose on a rectangular base, muscular body and striated dewlap, curving horns decorated with black glaze framing the face, three large black dots on the back with further black detailing to the front hooves and tail. 44.2 grams, 64 mm
Private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.2922.WW, dated 5 June 2007. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Various gods were depicted as rams. The downturned horns on this amulet indicate that the ram represents Amun. The ram was symbolically linked to ideas of revival and fertility, which, over time, became associated with Osiris and was also viewed as the god's soul or ba.
