Egypto-Phoenician Hardstone Scaraboid Set in Bronze Pendant

Restrung netted beadwork panel of annular and tubular glazed composition beads in blues, greens, black, cream and red-brown colours, depicting a mummy face-mask with false beard, a scarab with extended wings below, the 'Four Sons of Horus’ beneath the scarab, joined together with areas of open netting of tubular beads; restrung with some later beads. 72 grams, 26 cm



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

The Four Sons of Horus were deities responsible for protecting the internal organs of the deceased. Here, on the left, we can see the jackal-headed Duamutef, who protected the stomach, followed by the falcon-headed Qebehsenuef, protector of the intestines, then the human-headed Imsety, who protected the liver and, finally, the baboon-headed Hapy, protected the lungs, on the right.

With carapace detailing to obverse, plaque with intaglio cartouche for the throne name of Thutmose III men-kheper-Re, winged scarab and fronds flanking. 7.4 grams, 25 mm



Private collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, 1990s, thence by descent. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12127-211877.

With textured carapace, bull-horned column to the reverse. 3.94 grams, 15 mm



From the property of the late Mr SM, London, UK, 1969-1999.

The very frequent discovery of scarabs in Eastern and Western Phoenician and Punic tombs is the most notable and evident document of the prestige that Egyptian magic had in the Phoenician world. The generalized adoption of the scarab, both in its symbolic language linked to the regenerative form of earthly or otherworldly life and in its function as a seal, identifies the extent of Egyptian influence on the Phoenician culture since its Syro-Palestinian origins.