Egyptian Multi-Stranded Mummy Bead Necklace

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.

Naturalistic detailing to the underside with pierced lug for attachment; detailed clypeus on upper side, modelled with a falcon head. 2.73 grams, 17 mm



From an early 20th century collection, Home Counties, UK, 1930-1940s.

Funerary scarabs with falcon heads such as this were placed within the wrappings of the mummy on various parts of the body. They undoubtedly served a protective role, perhaps with solar connotations of rebirth (suggested by the falcon head) but, unlike heart scarabs, their precise function is not known.

Displaying palm branches; possible letter W incised to base. 107 grams, 83 mm



From a German collection. Ex Cambridge, UK, collection, 1980s.