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Details

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.

Provenance

Ex London, UK collection, 1990s.

Literature

Cf. Matouk, F.S., Corpus du scarabée égyptien. Vol. 2: Analyse thématique, Beirut, 1976, p.345, no.584, for the baboon and Bes motif.

Footnotes

Bes 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.

CONDITION

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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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