Egyptian Faience Frog Scarab

Foot panel from a cedarwood sarcophagus with carved socket to the inner face to accept the feet and mortices for attaching to sides; the outer face in low relief, a figural scene depicting the sisters of Osiris (Nephthys to the left and Isis to the right) with their arms extended; text translatable as 'Words spoken for Neftis, which surrounds ...Words spoken for Osiris, Padi-Wsir. I have come into existence as [...] Osiris, Padi-Wsir, the righteous [...]'. 652 grams total, 31 cm wide including stand



From a Dutch private collection, acquired in the 1970s. Acquired from J. Bagot Ancient Art, Barcelona, Spain, in 2016. From the Keane private collection, Kent, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the J. Bagot certificate of authenticity and invoice (2,800 euros). This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12078-216769.

'Padi Wsir' is probably the name of the owner of the sarcophagus; the same name was elsewhere transliterated as 'Padiusir' and Hellenised as 'Petosiris'', a familiar name in the Late Period.

Amuletic pendant with broad bale, keyhole-shaped plaque with gusset to the rim. 14 grams, 67 mm



Acquired on the German art market, 1989-1995. with The Museum Gallery, 19 Bury Place, London, WC1A 2JB, 1998-2003. Property of a London based academic, 2003-present.

The menat necklace was a sacred item of great importance to female Egyptian goddesses, particularly Hathor. Priestesses of Hathor and other powerful goddesses used the necklace as a rattle, holding it in their hand by the counterpoise and evoking protection from the sound of the shaken beads. The amuletic menat counterweight symbolised the whole elaborate necklace. The menat was considered a powerful magical amulet throughout Egyptian history, offering good luck and protection against evil spirits. It was often buried with the dead for protection in the afterlife and was believed to promote fertility and good health for women while signifying virility for men.

Modelled in the round wearing the atef crown with a uraeus to the brow, arms crossed on the chest holding the nekhakha (flail) and heka (crook); loop to rear of the neck; feet absent and damage to left shoulder revealing original lead core. 74 grams, 92 mm



Acquired on the German art market, 1989-1995. with The Museum Gallery, 19 Bury Place, London, WC1, UK, 1998-2003. Property of a London based academic, 2003-present.

Osiris was a deity who represents death and fertility and is commonly regarded as the quintessential god of rebirth. Though he was once a mortal ruler, as a deceased entity, his domain was the Underworld. Small figurines like this example were dedicated to the god to ensure his good favour.