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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.
ProvenanceFrom an early 20th century collection, Home Counties, UK, 1930-1940s.
LiteratureCf. Petrie, W.M.F., Amulets, London, 1914, pl.IV c and d, for similar.
FootnotesThe 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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AUCTIONS:
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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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Egyptian Polished Black Stone Pesesh-Kef Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
Ostrich feathers of Amun, delineated with a single vertical groove and curved tips; integral suspension loop to reverse; likely obsidian or basalt. 3.75 grams, 29 mm
From an early 20th century collection, Home Counties, UK, 1930-1940s.
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. -
Egyptian Small Faience Pot Lid Collection
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Group of five pale blue discs each with a raised central panel. 23.1 grams total, 27-32 mm
From and early 20th century collection, Home Counties, UK. -
Egyptian Faience Bead Mummy Face Mask
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Restrung; a netted beadwork panel of annular and tubular glazed composition beads in blues, greens, black, cream and red-brown colours, depicting a mummy face mask with false beard, a scarab with extended wings below, the 'Four Sons of Horus’ beneath the scarab, joined together with areas of open netting of tubular beads. 67 grams, 24 cm high
Acquired 1990s. Ex Mariaud des Serres, Paris, France.
The 'Four Sons of Horus' protected the internal organs of the deceased. Depicted from left to right: the falcon-headed Qebhesenuef protected the intestines; human-headed Imsety, the liver; baboon-headed Hapi, the lungs; jackal-headed Duamutef, the stomach.
