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LOT 0430
Egyptian Silver Snake Ring
1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
1 in. (6.79 grams, 26.03 mm overall, 15.77 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)).
Comprising a round-section tapering body with intricate scale detailing, the head resting on the body, detailed face with closed mouth and rounded eyes, an applied gold annulet with two granules above the head; part of the tail absent.
ProvenanceEx Dr Leo Mildenberg, Zurich, 1990s.
Acquired by Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, from the above in 1999.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Snake rings were not originally a traditional form in Egypt and only became common during the Ptolemaic and Roman Periods. Animal-shaped rings, including those with snake motifs, originated in Western Asia around the eighth century BC, spread to Greece by the fifth century BC, and were introduced to Egypt primarily through the Ptolemaic Period. In Greek culture, snakes were often linked to healing, though they likely carried other symbolic meanings as well.
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AUCTIONS:
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Egyptian Faience Phallic Amuletic Pendant
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Formed as stylised phallus with large testes and part of the lower abdomen, suspension loop above. 1.54 grams, 18 mm
From the collection of a late London, UK, gentleman, 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Small phallic amulets in ancient Egypt symbolised fertility, protection, and vitality. Often worn as jewellery or carried as personal charms, these amulets invoked the generative power of the male form, which was closely tied to life, creation, and strength. They were commonly used to ward off evil, ensure male potency, and protect children or the wearer from harm. These amulets reflect the Egyptian belief in the protective and regenerative power of sexuality, and their use spanned both everyday life and funerary contexts. -
Egyptian Faience Crocodile Amulet
Late-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,600
Representing the god Sobek; detailed face and scales; standing on a rectangular plinth; pierced to the front for suspension. 13.4 grams, 74 mm
From the estate of the late Professor Dr E. Bernardo Streiff, Geneva; a distinguished collection of antiquities formed during the 1950s-1970s. with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12629-236404. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Sobek is one of the most ancient and fascinating deities in the Egyptian pantheon. He is typically depicted as a crocodile or a man with the head of a crocodile, embodying various attributes related to the natural world, power, and protection. Sobek was mainly associated with water, fertility, and the Nile, along with strength and military prowess. His worship extends throughout much of ancient Egyptian history, and he was venerated not only as a force of nature but also as a god of healing, protection, and royal authority. His principal cult centres were situated in the Faiyum region, particularly the city of Crocodilopolis, and also at Kom Ombo in Upper Egypt. -
Egyptian Limestone Floral Inlay Group
Roman Period, 30 B.C.-323 A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £104
Group of cylindrical and discoid inlay plaques or gaming counters, crinoids with cinquefoil motif. 48.8 grams total, 12-20 mm
From a central London ADA dealership, 1980-1990. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Flowers were symbolic of rebirth due to the daily reopening of their petals after nightfall. As a result, they were widely used in domestic settings, religious and funerary contexts, and as adornments. Similar rosette discs, like those recovered from the Ramesside Period palace at Qantir, were used as decorative elements in royal palaces.
