Loading, please wait...

Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Bes Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Bes Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Bes Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Bes Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Bes Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Bes
Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
Details

LOT 0466

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.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

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
VETTING:

TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process


AUCTIONS:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 0466

Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Bes

Estimate £120 - 170€140 - 200 (for guidance only)$160 - 230 (for guidance only)

Print page

RELATED LOTS
  • Egyptian Miniature  Stone Alabastron
    Egyptian Miniature Stone Alabastron
    Late Old Kingdom, circa 2300 B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £260

    The body with rounded shoulders, convex outer face and pointed base, everted rim; accompanied by a custom-made display base. 34.2 grams, 48 mm high (48.9 grams, 55 mm including stand)



    Acquired in Europe before 1994. European collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

    Lot Details

  • Egyptian Silver Goddess Bastet Cat Amulet
    Egyptian Silver Goddess Bastet Cat Amulet
    Late-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £234

    Seated figure of a cat with pointed ears mounted on a rectangular base with a rounded end; suspension loop on the back. 1.58 grams, 12 mm



    From an early 20th century collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

    Lot Details

  • Egyptian Deep Blue Glazed Faience Eye of Horus Amulet
    Egyptian Deep Blue Glazed Faience Eye of Horus Amulet
    Late Period, 664-332 B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £234

    Large wedjat-eye amulet with incised human and falcon elements. 11.7 grams, 38 mm



    From the private collection of the late Mrs Belinda Ellison, a long time member of the Egyptian Exploration Society, c.1940-2020. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

    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.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list