Loading, please wait...
LOT 0012
Egyptian Wooden Sarcophagus with Falcon Mummy
LATE PERIOD-PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 664-31 B.C.
19 1/2 in. (2.3 kg, 49.5 cm).
Two-part wooden (sycamore?) falcon-headed mummiform coffin carved from a single piece of wood, with a tripartite wig and human ears, painted detailing to the eyes, and broad decorative collar; the whole covered with black paint with traces of yellow decoration and inscriptions; inside a mummified falcon wrapped in linen strips.
ProvenanceEx R. Liechti (1934-2010) Geneva, Switzerland, formed between 1950-1990s.
Accompanied by a copy of an old collection inventory note.
Accompanied by an academic report by Egyptologist Paul Whelan.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12074-218220.
Cf. Raven, M.J., ‘Corn Mummies’, Oudheidkundige Mededelingen uit het Rijksmuseum van Oudheden te Leiden 63 (1982), pl. 4A, for a comparable black-painted falcon-headed coffin with yellow decoration.
FootnotesThis falcon-headed coffin once contained a so-called 'corn mummy' - a mummiform effigy impregnated with grain, which germinated. Such 'corn mummies' were associated with Osirian regeneration, fertility, and rebirth concepts. The falcon-headed coffin was associated with the powerful funerary deity Sokar-Osiris or Ptah-Sokar-Osiris. It seems that the original contents of this coffin were either lost or discarded and replaced with a mummified bird (falcon?). Interestingly, the most significant number of falcon-headed coffins come from Tuna el-Gebel, the site of an extensive animal mummy necropolis.
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:
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 0012
Egyptian Wooden Sarcophagus with Falcon Mummy
Estimate £8,000 - 10,000€9,280 - 11,600 (for guidance only)$10,800 - 13,500 (for guidance only)
-
Egyptian Faience Amulet Group
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
Comprising a resting lioness on a rectangular base and the god Thoth in baboon form. 1.30 grams total, 12-15 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.
Throughout ancient Egyptian mythology, lioness goddesses played a significant role in the religious beliefs of the people. These goddesses, including Sekhmet, Bastet, and Wadjet were revered as powerful and fierce protectors. Their presence was believed to ward off evil and safeguard the people from harm. The baboon was an animal manifestation of the god Thoth. Thoth was revered for his association with knowledge, writing, and healing. It is likely that the popularity of Thoth amulets as mummy amulets is linked to his role as the recorder of the final judgment, which determined whether the deceased had lived a life of virtue. -
Egyptian Carnelian Eye of Horus Amulet
Circa 1000 B.C.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
With exceptional eye detailing carved in low-relief to one face. 1.64 grams, 19 mm
Ex R. Liechti (1934-2010) Geneva, Switzerland, formed between 1950-1990s. Accompanied by a copy of an old collection inventory note.
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. -
Egyptian Limestone Male Head Fragment
Old Kingdom, 4th-early 5th Dynasty, circa 2640-2480 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,380
Wearing a short wig, the eyes with incised cosmetic lines; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 4.58 kg total, 26.5 cm including stand
with Sotheby's, London, 5 July 1982, no.190. with Sotheby's, London, 13-14 December 1990, no.18. Acquired from the above sale by the late Robert Browne. Property of Ms L.F., London, UK. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00243674. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12073-217362.
