Egyptian Quartzite Fragment with Hieroglyphs

Depicting a rearing cobra with incised detailing and a suspension loop behind the head. 0.15 grams, 12 mm



From the private collection of the late Mrs Belinda Ellison, a long time member of the Egyptian Exploration Society, c.1940-2020.

Modelled in the round on a sledge attached by ventral and pectoral fins, forked tail, dorsal ridge, tapering nose; recessed circular eyes with enamel fill; horned sun disc headdress fronted by a uraeus and a suspension loop behind. 585 grams, 17 cm



Acquired from Gallery Reiner, Paris, 1981. Private collection, Europe. Accompanied by a copy of French passport no.150583 dated 29 November 2013. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12375-226676.

The Medjed, a type of elephant-snout fish (Mormyrus kannume), was revered in ancient Egyptian religion, particularly in Per-Medjed, better known by its Greek name, Oxyrhynchus Polis. This version of the name, meaning "city of the sharp-nosed," reflects the fish's distinctive appearance as depicted in Egyptian art. These fish were believed to have consumed the penis of Osiris, the god who was dismembered and scattered by his brother Seth. As sacred creatures, figurines of the Medjed were often adorned with a horned sun-disc headdress worn by the goddesses Hathor and Isis, suggesting a close association with both. Some figurines, like this example, featured suspension loops, allowing them to be worn as pendant amulets.

Circular with a semi-circular profile and an opening on one side. 3.2 grams, 17 mm



From an early 20th century collection.