Egyptian Predynastic Flint Pocket Knife

Plano-convex in section with incised bilinear borders. 3.08 grams, 22 mm



Ex early 20th century collection of a lady. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13045-248616.

The wedjat-eye amulet is a representation of the healed eye of the god Horus, featuring both human and falcon elements. The name Wedjat in ancient Egyptian means ‘the one that is sound.’ According to Egyptian mythology, Horus' eye was wounded or taken by the god Seth and restored by Thoth. The wedjat-eye amulet was thought to protect its wearer and bestow the power of recovery and regeneration onto them. It was very popular and used by both the living and the dead.

Standing falcon-headed deity with eyes inlaid in gold, wearing the traditional shendyt kilt, a tripartite wig topped by the double crown (pa-sekhemty) fronted by a uraeus, as worn by Egyptian pharaohs, and a wesekh collar; the figure depicted striding forward, with the position of the left arm and drilled hand indicating that it originally held the shaft of a sceptre or a weapon; the right hand also drilled to hold an attribute; the rectangular base featuring a low-relief depiction of an oryx beneath the god’s feet, the four sides of the base bear a line of hieroglyphic invocation giving the name of the deity represented by the statuette and those of the dedicator and his family; two tenons on underside for attachment; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 1.1 kg total, 23 cm high including stand



with Sakae Art Gallery, Nagoya, Japan, 1981. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Alberto Pollastrini. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.13161-248074.

The hieroglyphic inscription surrounding the base is worn and difficult to interpret. Based on the formulas preserved on similar statuettes, a tentative interpretation of its meaning can be proposed. The text begins with the customary formula ḏd mdw, meaning “words to be spoken,” followed by the hieroglyph of a falcon, indicating that the deity addressed is Horus. The following signs are unclear, making it hard to identify which specific form of Horus is meant, possibly Horus of Hebenu or Horus the Elder. The formula continues with a plea for the god to grant the dedicator life, prosperity, health, longevity, and a good old age. The inscription ends with the name of the offerer: “Pa-iu, son of Pa-di-Aset; his mother Ta-heret; and his wife Aset, justified.”

A scarab with detailing to the upper face; the underside inscribed with hieroglyphs writing the name of Amun-Re, accompanied by a wab sign on the left and neb sign below; pierced longitudinally. 2.09 grams, 15 mm



Ex Constable collection, 1990s. Ex P. Morris collection.