Egyptian Multi-Stranded Mummy Bead Necklace Collection

The obverse with a scene of Anubis recumbent on a pylon-shaped shrine with a standing sceptre in front; the reverse painted with a djed pillar flanked by two knots of Isis, remains of polychrome painted pigment; three piercings to both sides of the top; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 71 grams, 85 mm wide (223 grams total, 10.5 cm including stand)

Fine condition.

From an early 20th century collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11104-182800.

Pectorals worn by the living were made from metal, usually gold; for the dead, glazed composition was an acceptable substitute, indicating the funerary nature of such objects. Circular piercings have been made through the cavetto cornice, enabling the piece to be stitched to the bandages covering a mummy's chest. The shape of the pectoral imitates that of a pylon, the rectangular tower which flanked the gateway into an Egyptian temple. The cavetto cornice is decorated with a winged and gilded sun-disk. All four sides are adorned with a block pattern. A jackal reclining on a pylon-shaped shrine represents Anubis, god of embalming. He has a magical tie or scarf around his neck and is shown with a flagellum. Such imagery is found in New Kingdom tombs at Thebes. In front of the shrine is the sekhem sceptre of power. The reverse depicts a djed pillar, believed to represent the backbone with ribs of Osiris, god of the dead, flanked by the Girdle of Isis or 'tit' amulet. Both were standard funerary amulets.

Comprising various types, composition, sizes and colours, including: glass; calcite; steatite; shell; obsidian; peridot; carnelian; pink limestone; faience and rock crystal; some examples taking zoomorphic and axe forms; some held in perspex collector boxes with inked inventory numbers; accompanied by a handwritten collector's label reading 'glass beads from the tombs near Joppa. 1897' and a more recent note handwritten in the lid of one presentation box: '4 glass beads from 'the tombs near Joppa' now in Tel Aviv-Yafo in Israel, collected in 1897 when part of Ottoman Empire. Gift from Miss C. Rawdin 1982'; also a faience baboon amulet. 248 grams total, 4-33 mm

Fine condition.

Found Joppa, 1897. The property of Mr and Mrs P. R. of East Sussex. Thence by descent to family members. With an old dated label.

With simple detailing; hieroglyphs to base reading 'praised by every god of the two lands'; drilled for suspension. 1.41 grams, 13 mm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1980s.