LOT 0022

Egyptian Bronze Horus Falcon on Shrine-Shaped Base

LATE PERIOD-PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 664-31 B.C.

5 7/8 in. (521 grams, 15 cm).

Naturalistically modelled falcon with incised feathers and detailing; standing on a shrine-shaped rectangular box with slightly battered sides and cornice moulding; inked note on the inside of each long side 'E.311' and 'Collection R.L.' respectively.

Collected between the 1950s-1990s.
Ex Roger Liechti (1934-2010) collection, Geneva, Switzerland.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12133-211848.

Cf. Davies, S., and Smith, H.S., The Sacred Animal Necropolis at North Saqqara. The Falcon Complex and Catacomb: The Archaeological Report, London, 2005, p.24 (no.FCO-478), pl.LXVIa, for a close parallel from one of the subterranean falcon mummy galleries at Saqqara.

This box almost certainly once contained the mummified remains of a falcon. The falcon was principally identified with the sun-god Horus, and associated with the living king. Numerous falcon cults existed throughout Egypt, but the most spectacular was found at Saqqara, where many thousands of birds were mummified and buried in an extensive complex of underground galleries.