Egyptian Green Stone Baboon Statuette

Modelled in the round kneeling on an integral base and wearing a broad rounded wig, holding a fragmentary offering basin before him; dorsal pillar engraved with a single vertical column of hieroglyphs, translating: 'The Count, Overseer of the Entrance to the Hill Countries, Chief Supervisor of the Shrines [of Neith], Wahibre, son of Paeftchawy'; upper rim of the basin further inscribed with a ritual formula intended to be recited during the presentation of its contents. 107.7 kg total, figure: 40 cm high, fragments: 47-58 cm wide including stand



For the two basalt sections: UK private collection, formed 1970s-1990s. Princely collection, until 2014; thence to a private foundation. Acquired by the current owner from Rupert Wace, London, UK. For the kneeling basalt figure: European private collection, since the mid-19th century. Sold at Christie’s, New York, 8 June 2001, no.114. Sold at Drouot-Richelieu, Paris (Boisgirard), 14 February 2005, no.313. European private collection, acquired at the above sale; thence by descent to the previous owners. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13193-250115.

The figure on this vessel represents the customs official Wahibre, son of Paeftchawy, a well-attested individual known from at least fourteen other sculptures. Additional evidence for Wahibre’s identity is provided by a fragment of his mummiform sarcophagus, found at el-Hagar, within the territory of his native city of Sais. The titles inscribed on his surviving monuments reflect a career that combined priestly responsibilities with significant administrative and military authority. In southern Egypt, Wahibre served as chief customs officer and commanded a contingent of foreign troops tasked with protecting the frontier, probably Greek mercenaries from Caria.

Pouch-shaped body with trumpet-shaped mouth and lateral loop handles. 191 grams, 10.5 cm



Acquired at a London antiques fair in the 1990s. From the private collection of a Devon, UK, lady.

Carved in the round in a typical mummiform shape with hands crossed on the chest, wearing a tripartite wig with long, splayed lappets; collector's number to base 'E.803'. 140 grams, 21.5 cm



Private collection, acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s; thence by descent. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.13228-249321.

A shabti (or ushabti) is a small funerary figurine from ancient Egyptian tombs, dating from around 2000 BCE to 30 BCE. Its main purpose was to assist the deceased in the afterlife by performing tasks like farming. Shabtis were often inscribed with a magical formula from the Book of the Dead to ensure they would come to life when needed.