Egyptian Steatite Scarab

Composed of three figures: a standing cow or other quadruped giving birth to its young, its head, neck and forelegs emerging from the mother's rear, both with a black and white speckled coat; a standing male figure with articulated arms and pierced hands, wearing a kilt and cropped wig and with stylised facial detailing; a kneeling figure also with articulated arms, open-palm hands, wearing a kilt and cropped wig, stylised facial features; extensive remains of polychrome pigment. 111 grams total, 9.5-16 cm



From an early 20th century Home Counties collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11597-199209.

Such models would have been deposited in tombs; the purpose of such a scene was probably to evoke the season of spring, when calves were born, and the floodplain where farmers lived and raised their livestock.

With dorsal pillar, pierced for suspension. 1.76 grams, 25 mm



From the collection of Doctor Girard, a collector for over 60 years. with Hotel des Ventes de Clermont-Ferrand, 22 May 2017. Property of a French collector.

The tyet amulet was associated with the goddess Isis and was often referred to as the "knot" or "girdle" of Isis. It was commonly placed within the mummy wrappings on the upper torso of the deceased, with the belief that it would invoke Isis' protection and safeguard the body, thus ensuring their rebirth in the afterlife.

Restrung as an openwork panel with a winged scarab above and the Four Sons of Horus below as two opposing pairs; restrung with some later beads. 33 grams, 14 cm



Ex Mariaud de Serres, Paris, France, 1980-1990s. From a London, UK, collection.

The Four Sons of Horus were deities responsible for protecting the internal organs of the deceased. The human-headed Imsety protected the liver, the baboon-headed Hapy protected the lungs, the jackal-headed Duamutef protected the stomach, and the falcon-headed Qebehsenuef protected the intestines.