Egyptian Faience Mummy Bead Bracelet

The fragment of a vertical band (clavus) from a tunic (probably an ecclesiastic garment), woven in linen and wool, the central segment embroidered with polygonal patterns and arabesques, with four crosses inscribed in rhomboids, alternating with floral motifs, edged with two plain bands in dark green and medium brown, probably part of the original garment to which the band was applied. 185 grams, 58 x 27 cm



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.

Yellow wool and linen. In this period, when Egypt passed from Roman to Arabian rule, the garments were still conspicuously decorated with stylised foliage, arabesques and meanders, geometric figures, often made in yellow or white wool over a linen background.

Striding on a rectangular base, right arm held by her side, the other wrapped around her torso; wearing a modius of cobras topped by a horned sun disc; turquoise glaze; with reverse suspension loop. 4.87 grams, 52 mm



Acquired in Europe before 1998.

The obverse with a scene of Anubis recumbent on a pylon-shaped shrine with a standing sceptre in front; the reverse painted with a djed pillar flanked by two knots of Isis, remains of polychrome painted pigment; three piercings to both sides of the top; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 71 grams, 85 mm wide (223 grams total, 10.5 cm including stand)

Fine condition.

From an early 20th century collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11104-182800.

Pectorals worn by the living were made from metal, usually gold; for the dead, glazed composition was an acceptable substitute, indicating the funerary nature of such objects. Circular piercings have been made through the cavetto cornice, enabling the piece to be stitched to the bandages covering a mummy's chest. The shape of the pectoral imitates that of a pylon, the rectangular tower which flanked the gateway into an Egyptian temple. The cavetto cornice is decorated with a winged and gilded sun-disk. All four sides are adorned with a block pattern. A jackal reclining on a pylon-shaped shrine represents Anubis, god of embalming. He has a magical tie or scarf around his neck and is shown with a flagellum. Such imagery is found in New Kingdom tombs at Thebes. In front of the shrine is the sekhem sceptre of power. The reverse depicts a djed pillar, believed to represent the backbone with ribs of Osiris, god of the dead, flanked by the Girdle of Isis or 'tit' amulet. Both were standard funerary amulets.