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LOT 0003
Egyptian Thoth as Ibis and Maat Faience Amulet
PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 332-30 B.C.
1 5/8 in. (22 grams total, 43 mm wide including stand).
On a wedge-shaped base and decorated in turquoise glaze; the ibis's beak resting on a diminutive figure of the goddess Maat; suspension loop on the neck of the bird; collector's inventory number E509' on the underside; accompanied by a custom-made display base.
ProvenanceEx Reine Margot, 1973.
Ex R. Liechti (1934-2010) Geneva, Switzerland, collection between 1950-1990s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, p.25, fig.21f, for similar.
FootnotesIn the judgment of the dead (Book of the Dead, saying 125), Thoth, who is often represented in ibis form, records the result of weighing the heart of the deceased. The god is therefore mostly depicted in connection with the goddess Maat, whose feather was used as a counterbalance to the purity of the heart; such amulets were thus aimed at protecting the deceased from failing in the decision of the court of the dead.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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Egyptian Limestone Relief with the Figure of the God Hapi
Late-Ptolemaic Period, circa 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,640
A relief depicting the upper half of the Nile divinity facing right, sporting a slender beard with curved end, wearing a tripartite wig surmounted by a floral crown in the form of a clump of papyrus with bent buds, and an elaborate multi-strand beaded broad collar; the pendulous breast characteristic of this type of figure; with both upper arms angled right towards traces of a libation vase and possible stem of a lotus flower; traces of a vertical register line behind the figure’s head; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 10.85 kg total, 38.5 cm high including stand
From the estate of the late designer Anthony Powell (1935-2021). This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12497-230640. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Representations of fecundity figures can be traced from the Old Kingdom through to the Roman Period. These figures serve as divine embodiments of Egypt’s fertile productivity and are commonly depicted in series on the lower registers of temple walls, symbolising the fertility of each province. Historically, they have often been mistakenly referred to as the ‘Nile God’; however, the term Hapi, which sometimes identifies these figures, actually refers to the inundation rather than the River Nile itself, highlighting the source of Egypt’s fertility. -
Egyptian Artefact Collection
Late-Coptic Period, 664 B.C.-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Including textile fragment, spindle whorl, shabti and other items. 41 grams total, 1.4-11 cm
From an old English collection. The shabti acquired from Den of Antiquity in 2011. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Egyptian Silver Hair Ring
New Kingdom, circa 1550-1070 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Formed as a single round-section rod in coils. 3.78 grams, 17 mm
From the collection of Walter Thomas Gaze Cooper (1895-1980); thence by descent. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
