Egyptian Gold Uraeus Amulet

Standing falcon-headed deity with eyes inlaid in gold, wearing the traditional shendyt kilt, a tripartite wig topped by the double crown (pa-sekhemty) fronted by a uraeus, as worn by Egyptian pharaohs, and a wesekh collar; the figure depicted striding forward, with the position of the left arm and drilled hand indicating that it originally held the shaft of a sceptre or a weapon; the right hand also drilled to hold an attribute; the rectangular base featuring a low-relief depiction of an oryx beneath the god’s feet, the four sides of the base bear a line of hieroglyphic invocation giving the name of the deity represented by the statuette and those of the dedicator and his family; two tenons on underside for attachment; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 1.1 kg total, 23 cm high including stand



with Sakae Art Gallery, Nagoya, Japan, 1981. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Alberto Pollastrini. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.13161-248074.

The hieroglyphic inscription surrounding the base is worn and difficult to interpret. Based on the formulas preserved on similar statuettes, a tentative interpretation of its meaning can be proposed. The text begins with the customary formula ḏd mdw, meaning “words to be spoken,” followed by the hieroglyph of a falcon, indicating that the deity addressed is Horus. The following signs are unclear, making it hard to identify which specific form of Horus is meant, possibly Horus of Hebenu or Horus the Elder. The formula continues with a plea for the god to grant the dedicator life, prosperity, health, longevity, and a good old age. The inscription ends with the name of the offerer: “Pa-iu, son of Pa-di-Aset; his mother Ta-heret; and his wife Aset, justified.”

Modelled as a seated plump female figure; the right hand touching the pubic area beneath the rounded abdomen, wearing a tall headdress of thick braids, falling on her shoulders, smooth back with a vent hole; chipped at left foot and arm. 373 grams, 15.5 cm



with Superior Galleries, Los Angeles, USA. Ex Dr W. Benson Harer, Los Angeles, USA, March 1985.

Baubo was a minor divinity of the Greek mythology, linked to the cult of Demeter and Persephone. The statuette belongs to the second type of Baubo figurines, widespread in the last Ptolemaic and Roman period in Egypt. The Egyptian Baubo figures are split into two groups, and this one belongs to the first group depicting a woman seating frontally whilst holding a musical instrument. In some of these figurines her right hand is touching her genitalia. Many of them were used as amulets or as ex-voto.

A fitting or pommel made for King Ramesses II, his throne name (User-Maat-Re Setep-en-Re) inscribed within a cartouche topped by two ostrich feathers framing a solar disc; the cartouche positioned above the hieroglyphic sign nbw, which signifying 'gold' and alluded to the luminous radiance of the royal name; two uraei flanking the cartouche, wearing the White Crown of Upper Egypt and the Red Crown of Lower Egypt, respectively; the throne name roughly translating as 'The justice of Re is powerful, chosen of Re'; a square-shaped socket located at the back for attachment; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 475 grams total, 14 cm including stand



Formerly with G. Janes, Manchester, UK and collection Galerie Nefer. Previously with Cybele Galerie Librairie Egyptologie, Paris, France. From an important English collection. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Alberto Maria Pollastrini. Accompanied by a copy of the Cybele invoice. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.10740-177442.

The epithet part of the throne name Setep en Re appears in Ramesses II's royal titulary from Year 2 of his reign. The two rearing cobras, which symbolise the goddesses Nekhbet and Wadjet, also represent the unity of the Two Lands under Ramesses II's rule. A similar green faience fitting bearing Ramesses II's throne name is kept in the Archaeological Collection of Zürich (inv. no. 3702). Similar objects linked to the 18th Dynasty kings Akhenaten and Ay show that such fittings were not limited to the 19th Dynasty. They may even have influenced later designs, as the fitting of King Ay, possibly from a piece of heirloom furniture, was found among the tomb goods of Nefertari, Ramesses II’s “Chief Queen”.