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LOT 0460
Egyptian Gold Ba-Bird Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
5/8 in. (0.38 grams, 15 mm).
Finely detailed depiction of a human-headed ba-bird with outspread wings and the one preserved claw holding a shen ring.
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of the late Mrs Belinda Ellison, a long time member of the Egyptian Exploration Society, c.1940-2020.
LiteratureCf. Wilkinson, A., Ancient Egyptian Jewellery, London, 1971, for an example of a similar form.
FootnotesIn ancient Egyptian religion, the ba is one of the principal aspects of the human soul, along with the ka and the akh. It is often depicted in bird form, symbolising the soul's mobility after death.
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
AUCTIONS:
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Egyptian Amulet of Trussed Ibex
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Turquoise glazed faience figure of a trussed ibex, with the remains of its large curled horn, tail, facial details, and rope tie picked out in black; damaged and repaired. 11.6 grams, 63 mm
From the private collection of the late Mrs Belinda Ellison, a long time member of the Egyptian Exploration Society, c.1940-2020.
Figurines of trussed ibexes in faience were occasionally included in foundation deposits, possibly to represent animals that were sacrificed. However, the shallow depression in the body of this animal is similar to the style of cosmetic dishes, indicating that this particular example may be a funerary object symbolising a more valuable toiletry item. -
Egyptian Faience Scarab with Hieroglyphs
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Blue glazed faience scarab beetle, with detailed features; the underside decorated with a recumbent jackal above a seated figure in an attitude of praise before two hieroglyphs. 4.18 grams, 23 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. -
Egyptian Limestone Fragment Group
Middle Kingdom, 2035-1550 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,404
Comprising four fragments of dressed and plastered wall, each with painted hieroglyphs in blue, green and black shades, some with low-relief modelling. 1.03 kg total, 10.1-27.7 cm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.
These fragments seem to be sections of tomb wall reliefs. They include portions of an offering formula, mention of a 'district', a festival, and the symbol of Anubis. The decoration in different parts of some Middle Kingdom tombs had scenes and texts applied in paint or executed with raised relief carving.
