Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0461
Egyptian Bronze Ibis Attachment
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C. OR LATER
2 3/8 in. (114 grams, 60 mm).
Modelled in the round squatting on an ellipsoid base, lug to the underside, repaired.
Provenance
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
Literature
Cf. Roeder, G., Ägyptische Bronzefiguren II, Berlin, 1956, pls.57f, 58a, for similar low-squatting examples.
Footnotes
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.
VETTING:
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
RELATED LOTS
-
Egyptian Alabaster Bowl
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £125
Of conical profile with flattened base, carinated shoulder and stepped rounded rim. 369 grams, 11 cm wide
From a West Country, UK, collection, 1980-2020s. -
Egyptian Basalt Kohl Pot
16th-11th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Carved into the shape of a poppy head with flange rim; old inked collector's number to base '1935.438'. 78 grams, 40 mm
From the estate of a deceased American, acquired between 1970-1989. with Bonhams, London, Knightsbridge, 28 October 2009, no.23 [part].
Cf. Aston, B.G., Ancient Egyptian Stone Vessels: Materials and Forms, SAGA 5, Heidelberg, 1994, pp. 87, 148 (Type 164), for similar examples. -
Egyptian Bronze Ibis Attachment
Late Period, 664-332 B.C. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £156
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.
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.
