Egyptian Male Head Inlay

A wooden animal birthing scene composed of three figures: a standing cow or other quadruped giving birth to its young, its head, neck and forelegs emerging from the mother's rear, both with a black and white speckled coat; a standing male figure with articulated arms and pierced hands, wearing a kilt and cropped wig and with stylised facial detailing; a kneeling figure also with articulated arms, open-palm hands, wearing a kilt and cropped wig, stylised facial features; extensive remains of polychrome pigment. 111 grams total, 9.5-16 cm



From an early 20th century Home Counties collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11597-199209.

Such models would have been deposited in tombs; the purpose of such a scene was probably to evoke the season of spring, when calves were born, and the floodplain where farmers lived and raised their livestock.

A carved wood shabti figure modelled mummiform with arms folded across the chest and wearing a tripartite wig, painted detailing to the front and rear of the body; remains of polychrome pigmentation. 46 grams, 19 cm high



Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private Swiss collection since 1998.

Many crude wooden shabtis of this type were found at Gurob and Sedment; they range from having minimal decoration and no inscription to being entirely painted and inscribed.

A lapis lazuli amuletic scarab with the falcon head of Ra with lappet headdress and broad collar; ribbed loop to the underside for suspension 6.9 grams, 25 mm



UK art market, prior 2000. English private collection.

This scarab was probably attached to the mummy, and its falcon head symbolising the sun-god Ra served to emphasise the solar aspect of the amulet, and give added potency to its regenerative power.