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LOT 0004
Egyptian Limestone Miniature Obelisk with Hieroglyphs
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
8 1/4 in. (444 grams total, 21 cm high).
With tapering sides and pointed top, incised vertical column of hieroglyphic text to one face: ẖry-ḥbt ḳbḥ ḥtp mr-mšꜥ imn, ''lector-priest' (give) purified offering (to the) general of the army (of) Amun'; mounted on a custom-made stand.
ProvenanceAcquired in Egypt in the early 20th century.
Private collection of Mr T.H., Norfolk, UK.
Cf. similar in the collection of the British Museum under accession no.EA495.
FootnotesIn ancient Egypt, it was common for small obelisks like this one to be placed on either side of the entrance to private tombs. Typically inscribed on one side only, these obelisks held great solar religious significance and were closely associated with the cult of the sun-god Re. They symbolised the ancient Egyptians' belief in the rebirth of the deceased, with the moment of revivification being characterised by the individual's face being illuminated by the rays of the rising sun. It was said that, at that moment, the deceased was able to "open their sight to see the sun-god," as one religious text explains.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0004
Egyptian Limestone Miniature Obelisk with Hieroglyphs
Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,460
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Egyptian Wooden Face Mask
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
With painted detailing to the eyebrows, eyes and headband; flesh coloured pigment remaining on the nose and forehead; prominent nose and small mouth; pierced through the chin and forehead to accept attachment dowels. 223 grams, 18.5 cm high
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. -
Egyptian Style Figurine Collection
20th century A.D. and earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £98
Comprising: a small composition shabti with T-shaped inscription giving the dedication: sḥḏ wsꞽr ḥm-nṯr pꜢ-di…..? ms n Ꜣst-ꞽr.s mꜢʾ ḫrw ‘The illuminated, the Osiris, God’s Servant, Pa-di.....(?), born to Isis-ires true of voice’; bronze Horus with sun disc and lappet wig; accompanied by two after the antique items: figure of Bes with feather headdress and a composition aegis plaque. 134 grams total, 1.8 - 13.1 cm
Acquired from a private UK collection in the late 1990s. Private collection of Mr T.H., Norfolk, UK. -
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Egyptian Bronze Sistrum Handle Finial
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
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.
