Egyptian Hardstone Sekhmet Amulet

The bifacial upper part of a handle featuring Hathor, depicted with cow ears and wearing a heavy wig with characteristically curled lappet ends and a broad collar; on either side a uraeus, one of which is wearing the crown of Lower Egypt, the other the Upper Egyptian crown; remains of the sistrum cradle above. 146 grams total, 10.7 cm including stand



with Galerie Gunter Phuze, Kunst der Antike 4, Freiburg, 1982, no.335. German private collection H. W. (1931-2018), acquired 1982. Accompanied by a copy of an IADAA Interpol search certificate. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Galerie Gunter catalogue pages.

The sistrum was a rattle-like instrument played exclusively by women in religious ceremonies. The sound produced by the sistrum was believed to drive away evil and soothe a god's anger. Hathor is the daughter of the sun god Re, and in her role as a mother goddess is often depicted as a cow or with bovine characteristics as here. Hathor is also associated with love, music and dancing, and the sistrum is one of her sacred symbols.

The monkey holding a kohl pot of roughly cylindrical form; set on an integral oval base; rim of kohl perforated twice; mounted on a custom-made display base. 21.2 grams total, 37 mm high including stand



with François de Riqules, Archéologie, 11-12 November 2001, lot 198.

Comprising: a wooden arm from a diorama; a wooden sun disc with red pigment; a dark blue composition scaraboid; and a blue-glazed ring fragment with Wedjat eye to the bezel. 6.5 grams total, 18-83 mm



UK private collection. Acquired from Ancient & Oriental, Nottingham, UK, 1980. Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman.