Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0476
Egyptian Female Fertility Figurine Plaque
LATE PERIOD-PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 664-31 B.C.
6 3/4 in. (502 grams total, 17.1 cm including stand).
Carved rectangular plaque with central recess, carved image of a nude female modelled in the half-round with a deeply striated bag wig, arms by her side; traces of red and black pigment on the body; mounted on a custom-made stand.
Provenance
From a central London collection, formed 1980-2000.
From the private collection of Mr David Barker, London, UK; thence by descent.
Footnotes
The rectangular limestone plaque almost certainly represents a shrine. Such plaques first appeared in Lower Egypt and became widespread in the Late Period and Ptolemaic era. They may have developed from earlier female figurines depicted on beds and are usually associated with the female goddesses Isis and Hathor, both powerful protectors of women and childbirth and associated with fertility.
CONDITIONVETTING:
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.
LOT 0476
Egyptian Female Fertility Figurine Plaque
Estimate £1,200 - 1,700€1,390 - 1,970 (for guidance only)$1,620 - 2,300 (for guidance only)
RELATED LOTS
-
Egyptian Faience Mummy Bead Necklace with Papyrus Flower Amulets
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Restrung group of mainly tubular beads with five faience papyrus-flower pendants. 25 grams, 102 cm long
From an old English deceased estate. Acquired on the London art market in the early 1990s. Property of a London, UK, collector. -
Egyptian Hardstone Fly Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
With linear detailing to body and wings, pierced at the neck. 0.38 grams, 12 mm
From the H.N. collection, Milton Keynes, Berkshire, UK, 1990s.
Fly amulets were believed to protect against insect bites and ward off flying creatures through apotropaic magic. Additionally, the pharaoh would give gold fly-shaped pendants as military awards to recognise the bravery and persistence of soldiers in battle. -
Egyptian Stone Head
Coptic, circa 6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £975
Stylised face with broad surrounding hood with corrugated texture to the outer face; lentoid face with reserved almond eyes, D-section nose and slit mouth; with arc of drilled holes around the inner edge of the hood to accept inset ornaments, more holes to the forehead, eyes, cheeks and chin; mounted on a custom-made stand. 2.92 kg total, 29 cm wide including stand
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.