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_900x900.jpg "Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Bes")
_200x200.jpg "Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Bes")
_900x900.jpg "Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Bes")
_200x200.jpg "Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Bes")
.jpg "Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Bes")
.jpg "Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Bes")
LOT 0455
Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Bes
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1 1/4 in. (10.7 grams, 31 mm).
Plano-convex in section with detailed obverse, the underside with the figure of Bes flanked by adoring baboons and sun discs.
ProvenanceEx London, UK collection, 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Matouk, F.S., Corpus du scarabée égyptien. Vol. 2: Analyse thématique, Beirut, 1976, p.345, no.584, for the baboon and Bes motif.
FootnotesBes became one of ancient Egypt's most popular apotropaic deities from the New Kingdom onwards. Despite his somewhat fearful appearance, Bes was the patron and protector of pregnant women and children and believed to protect the wearer from snakes. The depiction of baboons flanking Bes with their arms raised before the sun disk was a common feature on temple wall reliefs. In ancient Egyptian religious literature, baboons heralded the dawn and, thus, the rebirth of the sun.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0455
Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Bes
Estimate £150 - 200€170 - 230 (for guidance only)$200 - 270 (for guidance only)
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Egyptian Carnelian Fly Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Carved with ribbed body and eye detailing; drilled through the eyes for suspension. 0.37 grams, 12 mm
From the private collection of H. Norry, 1980s-1990s. -
Egyptian Framed Coptic Fabric Collection
Circa 5th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Three fragments of tabby-weave linen fabric, two with embroidered ornament, one with a woven polychrome border; mounted in a glazed wooden frame with gilt inner border. 578 grams total, fragments: 6.5-15.5 cm (frame: 26 x 31 cm)
From the private collection of H. Norry, 1980s-1990s. -
Egyptian Brown Quartzite Baboon Animal Figurine
New Kingdom, circa 1550-1070 B.C.Estimate: £6,000 - 8,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £3,000
Carved in a typical pose, sitting on its haunches with its tail curving around the right side, its front paws resting on its knees and protruding beneath its thick furry pelt, with incised detailing, its feet either side of the phallus, the head with bulbous, striated hair on either side, chipped, snout restored; seated on a high shrine-shaped plinth with squared front and rounded back, featuring a cavetto cornice and roll detailing on the upper part. 1.15 kg, 15 cm
From a deceased American estate, 1970-1989. with Bonham's, London, 28 October 2009, no.35. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonham's catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12368-226706.
The baboon was an animal manifestation of the god Thoth, who was revered for his association with knowledge, writing, and healing.
