Historic Collection of 772 Slides of Archaeological Sites in Egypt

Modelled in the round standing nude on a D-shaped base with atef crown, dorsal pillar with loop. 13.68 grams, 73 mm



Acquired on the German art market, 1989-1995. with The Museum Gallery, 19 Bury Place, London, WC1, UK, 1998-2003. Property of a London based academic, 2003 to present. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Herodotus mentions Pataikos as a dwarf-like representation of Ptah, although the ancient Egyptian name of the god remains unclear. These diminutive amulets symbolise Ptah’s immense magical power, which serves 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 used to protect the deceased’s heart from enemy attacks and the putrefaction of the body. The atef crown worn by this example, clearly links the figure to the underworld god, Osiris.

Showing a female figure as part of a procession, carrying a loaf of bread, a second offerant behind her; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 3.12 kg total, 42 cm high including stand



From the estate of the late Professor Dr E. Bernardo Streiff, Geneva; a distinguished collection of antiquities formed during the 1950s-1970s. with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12625-236383. 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.

Professor Dr E. Bernardo Streiff (1911-2001) was a prominent Swiss physician and academic based in Geneva, best known for his contributions to medical science as well as his deep passion for ancient art and antiquities. Over the course of several decades, particularly between the 1950s and 1970s, Professor Streiff assembled a highly regarded private collection of antiquities, reflecting both scholarly discernment and aesthetic sensitivity. His interests focused on the art and material culture of the ancient Mediterranean, with a particular emphasis on Greek, Etruscan, and Roman objects. A connoisseur guided by academic rigour, Dr Streiff maintained close ties with museums, galleries, and archaeological experts of his time. Many pieces from his collection were acquired from leading European dealers and fairs, and are notable for their quality, provenance, and condition. Following his passing, objects from the Streiff collection have appeared in respected sales and exhibitions, recognised for their integrity and the refined eye of the collector behind them.

Modelled in the round, Bes standing nude with a lion's tail, wearing a feathered headdress. 4.13 grams, 44 mm



Archéologie; François de Ricqlès, Paris, 30 September-1 October 1996, no.322 (part). Private collection, London, UK, acquired from the above sale. Accompanied by a copy of a French cultural passport, dated 30 September 1996. Accompanied by a copy of the François de Ricqlès invoice. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12630-235074. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

From the New Kingdom onwards, Bes became one of ancient Egypt's most popular apotropaic deities. Despite his somewhat fearsome appearance, Bes served as the patron and protector of pregnant women and children, and was also believed to shield them from snakes.