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Details
LOT 0023
Egyptian Polished Black Stone Pesesh-Kef Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1 1/8 in. (3.75 grams, 29 mm).
Ostrich feathers of Amun, delineated with a single vertical groove and curved tips; integral suspension loop to reverse; likely obsidian or basalt.
Provenance
From an early 20th century collection, Home Counties, UK, 1930-1940s.
Literature
Cf. Petrie, W.M.F., Amulets, London, 1914, pl.IV c and d, for similar.
Footnotes
The Pesesh-kef was a 'magical' ritual implement used in the ancient Egyptian Opening of the Mouth ceremony, which may have represented an implement used to cut umbilical cords. During the Opening of the Mouth ritual, priests held the implement to the mouth of a cult statue or mummy, allowing it to receive offerings.
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LOT 0023
Egyptian Polished Black Stone Pesesh-Kef Amulet
Estimate £600 - 800€700 - 930 (for guidance only)$810 - 1,080 (for guidance only)
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