Egyptian Gold Mounted Feldspar(?) Pendant

Carved with integral loop to the reverse; old inked collector's reference 'ES716'. 2.58 grams, 27 mm



with Hotel des Ventes, Drouot, Paris, France. From the collection of Mr H. Naudy, Paris, France. Acquired at between 2004-2010. Property of a French collector.

This ancient amulet represents two ostrich feathers or shuty. Interestingly, these feathers were also present on the Atef crown of Osiris, the god of the afterlife and the dead. This suggests the amulet was believed to imbue the wearer with Osiris' divine power and protection.

With bulb and disc finial, integral shank and gusseted suspension loop. 1.03 grams, 17 mm



From an early 20th century collection.

Amulets in the form of poppies were utilised for healing and alleviating pain, as well as for warding off death. These types of amulets were also linked to Osiris, the Egyptian deity of agriculture, death, and the afterlife.

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.