Egyptian Polished Black Stone Pesesh-Kef Amulet

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.

In silk and wool from a tunic or wall hanging, comprising: (i) a corner fragment of a tapestry showing two soldiers hunting, one with a cross traced as deigmaton on the round shield and a semi-spatha (sword) in his right hand, both dressed in Gothic tunics of green and off-white colour, black trousers and red sagia, escaping animals surrounding; (ii) a long segment (clavus) with a hunting scene comprising a cavalryman in green mantle, off-white tunic, shield and sword, a Nubian servant in exomis and holding a shield, chasing wild horses, antelopes, goats and hares, a third horseman half-visible on the right. 8 grams total, 19-26 cm

Fair condition. Rare.

Hermann Historica, Germany, auction 67, part of lot 2025. Property of a Kensington gentleman. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato of which this is a part. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.10681-174371 (part).

Tabby technique on linen and wool. It is highly probable that this tapestry was part of a tunic decoration, the clavus (ii) running vertically on the breast; the corner fragment (i) forming the lower hem of the tunic. The representation of military characters, the red colour of the background, and the hunting parties – often associated with military training– indicate the likelihood that these are fragments from the military tunic of a high-ranking officer.

Composed mainly of tubular and annular beads decorated with polychrome glazes, together with the upper half of an amulet of the god Shu. 26 grams total, 3-22 mm



From an early 20th century UK collection.