Egyptian Multi-Stranded Mummy Bead Necklace

Modelled mummiform, hands crossed in front of chest holding pick and hoe, seed bag over shoulder, wearing tripartite wig and false beard, T-shaped arrangement of hieroglyphic inscription to the midriff and lower body; plinth base and plain back pillar to reverse. 78 grams, 12.2 cm high



Private collection, New York, USA, early 1980s.

The inscription informs us that Ka-nefer was a wener- priest and scribe of Ptah. His mother's name was Isit-reshuty. He was buried at Saqqara.

Composed of multiple strands of polychrome composition beads of mainly annular and tubular types. 26.2 grams, 76 cm long



Acquired before 1979. From the private collection of Mr F. A., South Kensington, London, UK; thence by descent 2014.

Modelled mummiform and seated with arms crossed at chest, holding crook and flail, wearing a false beard and plumed Atef crown with uraeus, cream-coloured inlay to eyes; mounted on a custom-made display base. 160 grams total, 15.3 cm including stand

large chip to outer surface layer to reverse.

Ex old English collection. Spanish collection, 1980s. Accompanied by a previous dealer's catalogue and price card (£2,500.00).

Osiris was the foremost of ancient Egyptian funerary deities and lord of the underworld. Many statuettes of the god were offered in temples dedicated in his name, but have also been discovered in other contexts including animal necropoleis and temples dedicated to other gods.