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LOT 0448
Egyptian Yellow Faience Pataikos Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1 1/4 in. (4.87 grams, 32 mm).
Depicted nude and standing on a rectangular base, with a large head, and short arms resting above his bendy legs.
ProvenanceFrom an early 20th century UK collection.
Accompanied by a previously illustrated catalogue card with provenance.
Cf. Petrie, W.M.F., Amulets. Illustrated by the Egyptian Collection in University College, London, 1914, pl. XXXI l, for similar.
FootnotesHerodotus mentions Pataikos as a dwarf-like depiction of Ptah, although the ancient Egyptian name of the god remains unclear. These small amulets symbolise Ptah’s immense magical power, which helps to protect the wearer from dangerous creatures such as snakes and crocodiles. The role of the deity in the funerary sphere is explained in Spell 164 of the Book of the Dead, where Pataikos is invoked to safeguard the deceased’s heart against attacks by enemies and against the decay of the body.
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AUCTIONS:
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Egyptian Black Stone Scarab
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Lightly incised detailing to the carapace, underside with a crouching ibex in profile; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.05 grams, 16 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Egyptian Faience Shu Amulet
Late Period–Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Schematically modelled a kneeling figure of the god with arms raised above his head, holding a stylised solar disc, pierced through the dorsal pillar; supplied with a stand. 1.49 grams, 18 mm
From the collection of David Donlan (1947-2025), a dedicated and lifelong collector with a passion for the ancient world and the natural sciences, forming his collection from 1960s onwards, using many reputable dealers across the United Kingdom, including the well-regarded Coincraft and The Parthenon Gallery.
Shu amulets could serve both the dead and the living: they were placed between the mummy bandages on the lower part of the deceased’s torso, allowing the dead to pass smoothly on their journey towards rebirth; they could also serve as a magical amulet at birth, symbolising a protector of new life. -
Egyptian Statuette of a Monkey
Ptolemaic Period, 4th-1st century B.C.Estimate: £600 - 800 (‡+bp*)
Current Winning Bid: £400
Standing on a rectangular plinth with head raised and tail curled above the hindquarters, barrel-shaped body with incised detailing at the shoulders and hips, traces of a white and reddish brown coating; partially restored; old collector's labels to underside '51' and 'N13234'. 42.8 grams, 60 mm
Ex Baden-Württemberg, Germany, formed since ca.1930. Private collection, Saarland, Germany. Thereafter, Michael Schrôder, Germany. Consigned to DAWO Auktion, 18 February 2017, no.824. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00123279.
The ancient Egyptians kept pet monkeys (baboons as well as the more slender guenons) for amusement and as status symbols. These animals played around the house and accompanied the master on outings.
