Egyptian Tell el Amarna Artefact Collection

A mixed group of mainly composition artefacts and fragments comprising: a steatite scarab beetle inscribed with a scarab, cobra and crown to base, 2024-1700 B.C.; tilapia fish, symbol of regeneration, c.1300 B.C.; Taweret hippopotamus goddess of child birth, c.1300 B.C.; sphinx amulet, c.1300 B.C; alabaster kohl jar fragment sticks, c.1400 B.C.; Djed pillar amulet, c.600-300 B.C.; stone playing counter, c.300-50 B.C.; two fruit amulets, c.18th-19th Dynasty; fragment of a large Eye of Horus, c.600 B.C.; Eye of Horus amulet with nfr sign on reverse, c. 1000 B.C. 66.8 grams total, 8-39 mm



From an old UK collection. From the private collection of Alf Baxendale (1941-2016) part 2, keen Egyptologist, member of the Egyptology Society, trustee of the Amarna Trust; thence by descent. Accompanied by twelve identification display cards. Accompanied by a copy of his obituary published in Horizon, The Amarna Project and Amarna Trust newsletter, Issue 18, 2017, p.21, by Barry John Kemp, CBE, FBA, Professor Emeritus of Egyptology at the University of Cambridge and directing excavations at Amarna in Egypt.

A wooden animal birthing scene 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.

A translucent carnelian scarab with detailing to the head, body and legs; drilled for suspension. 5.98 grams, 22 mm

Fine condition.

Acquired 1979-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent.