Egyptian Multi-Stranded Mummy Bead Necklace

A bifacial rectangular amulet with incised fish in profile to the obverse, a standing horse to the reverse; drilled for suspension. 3.04 grams, 20 mm



Ex Constable collection, 1990s. Ex P. Morris collection. Accompanied by an old photograph dated 'London 1997'.

This amulet depicts a ‘Tilapia nilotica’ or ‘bolti’, a prevalent fish species found in the Nile. Not only was it esteemed for its delicious taste, but it was also regarded as a symbol of rebirth and resurrection due to its unique ability to carry its eggs in its mouth, symbolising self-creation.

Modelled seated on a tongue-shaped base, with simple facial detailing and suspension loop to the back. 0.51 grams, 8 mm



Ex French collection, early 20th century.

The goddess Bastet was believed to be the daughter of the sun god and was shown with the features of a lion up until about 1000 B.C. when she was first portrayed as a cat or human with a cat head. As the daughter of Ra she was associated with the rage inherent in the sun god's eye which was considered to be his instrument of vengeance. Her development into a cat goddess occurred during the New Kingdom but did not fully develop until the Late Period. She was still associated with the destructive power of the sun and was shown on the prow of the solar boat, decapitating the evil serpent Apophis in the Book of the Dead. The maternal, protective and hunting characteristics of the cat are obvious in Bastet and she was seen as a protector of pregnant women and young children. In the Pyramid Texts she is invoked by the deceased king to act as his protector and to help him reach the sky to join the sun god; the king proclaims that Bastet is his mother and nurse. Like her counterpart, Sekhmet, Bastet has an aggressive side and, in a text from Karnak, Amenhotep II described his enemies being slaughtered like the victims of Bastet. The goddess had a shrine at Karnak, where she is known as the 'Lady of Asheru' which aligns her closely with the goddess Mut, the consort of Amun-Ra. Her most famous shrine was in the north-east Delta region, at Bubastis, and was known as Per-Bastet or 'the House of Bastet.' Herodotus describes the festival of Bastet as one of the most elaborate in all of Egypt and identifies her with the Greek Artemis. Cemeteries of cats have been excavated at Bubastis and at Saqqara and Memphis.

Fragment of a carved panel or vessel depicting a female bust - possibly a queen or Isis - modelled in half-round relief, wearing a loosely draped tunic, a tiered wesekh collar, and a heavy curled, tripartite wig; reverse with lotus flower ropework and other ornamentation; mounted in a later gold suspension frame. 8.75 grams, 38 mm



Private collection, Southern France, 1970s. Acquired on the English art market.