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LOT 0013
Egyptian Faience Crocodile Amulet
LATE-PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 664-30 B.C.
3 in. (13.4 grams, 74 mm).
Representing the god Sobek; detailed face and scales; standing on a rectangular plinth; pierced to the front for suspension.
ProvenanceFrom the estate of the late Professor Dr E. Bernardo Streiff, Geneva; a distinguished collection of antiquities formed during the 1950s-1970s.
with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12629-236404.
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. Reisner, G.A., Catalogue général des antiquités égyptiennes du Musée du Caire, Nos.5218-6000 et 12001-12527, Vol. I, Amulets, Cairo, 1907, pl. XXIII, nos. 12422 and 12433, for similarly detailed examples.
FootnotesSobek is one of the most ancient and fascinating deities in the Egyptian pantheon. He is typically depicted as a crocodile or a man with the head of a crocodile, embodying various attributes related to the natural world, power, and protection. Sobek was mainly associated with water, fertility, and the Nile, along with strength and military prowess. His worship extends throughout much of ancient Egyptian history, and he was venerated not only as a force of nature but also as a god of healing, protection, and royal authority. His principal cult centres were situated in the Faiyum region, particularly the city of Crocodilopolis, and also at Kom Ombo in Upper Egypt.
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
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Egyptian Alabaster Kohl Pot with Later Hieroglyphs
Second Intermediate Period, 1650-1550 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Comprising a squat piriform body with a wide everted rim, a band of later hieroglyphs beneath the shoulder: ḳmꜢ.t n bꜢw ı͗wnw nfrw.s (You have gathered the souls (i.e. divine powers) of Heliopolis—her beauties). 208 grams, 55 mm high
Ex late London, UK, gentleman, 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The inscription on what is a cosmetic vessel could be interpreted as “You acquire the powers of Heliopolis, source of her beauty”; “her beauties” likely references either the woman using the vessel or perhaps the divine beauty imparted by the contents. -
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Egyptian Limestone Relief
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,080
A fragment featuring a low-relief depiction of a male head in profile with a shoulder-length duplex wig, the upper part intricately detailed with herringbone stripes and a fringed edge, transitioning into heavy curls at the lower part, sporting a short beard and a boldly carved ear with an indented lobe, drilled for a mounting peg. 1.95 kg, 26.5 cm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12626-234637. 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. -
Egyptian Faience Scarab Wing Pair
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Each flat-section with a band of feathers within the border, two attachment holes. 15 grams total, 43-44 mm
From the private collection of the late Julian Bird, UK, formed since the 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
These wings were once part of a central scarab amulet. Winged scarabs often served as funerary adornments and were believed to symbolise the rebirth and regeneration of the deceased.
