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LOT 0489
Large Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Bes and Cartouches of Thutmose III
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1 1/2 in. (26.3 grams, 39 mm).
With segmented carapace, detailed legs and mouth, incuse image of Bes with plumed headdress to underside flanked by two cartouches, each bearing the throne name of Thutmose III (Men-kheper-Re); chipped.
ProvenanceEx London, UK, gentleman's collection, 1990s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. Petrie, W.M.F., Scarabs and Cylinders with Names, London, 1917, pl. XXIX, no. 139, for a scarab design including a central Bes with a Thutmose III cartouche above.
FootnotesThe royal name is incorrectly written, containing two sun discs rather than one, suggesting it may be of Levantine manufacture. Thutmose III, a dynamic New Kingdom pharaoh celebrated centuries after his death, frequently appears on scarabs during the Late Period.
From the New Kingdom onwards, Bes became one of ancient Egypt's most popular apotropaic deities. Despite his fearsome appearance, Bes served as the patron and protector of pregnant women and children, and was also believed to shield them from snakes. The combination of Thutmose III and Bes harnessed both royal and divine protection.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0489
Large Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Bes and Cartouches of Thutmose III
Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
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Egyptian Brown Faience Shabti
Third Intermediate Period, 1069-860 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Mummiform figure with agricultural implements held in crossed arms, wearing a tripartite wig with a painted hair tie. 7.53 grams, 59 mm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Egyptian Faience Phallic Amulet
Ptolemaic-Roman Period, 323 B.C.-323 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Pendant plaque of male genitals with loop above. 1.08 grams, 17 mm
From an early 20th century collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Egyptian Faience Shabti for Padipepet
Late Period, 26th Dynasty, 664-525 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,860
Mummiform figure wearing a tripartite wig and false beard, with arms crossed and hands holding a pick, hoe, and the cord of a seed bag slung over the left shoulder; dorsal pillar with two columns of hieroglyphic text reading: 'O this ushabti, if the Osiris Padipepet, born of Bastet-ir-dis, [is called], 'Behold me' you shall say'; display stand with legend 'Padipepet / XXVI Dyn[asty]'. 210 grams, 17 cm
From the private collection of a Canadian gentleman living in Essex, UK, formed since the 1920s-circa 1990. Property of an Essex lady until the late 1990s; thence by descent. From the private collection of an Essex gentleman since the late 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
A shabti (also known as ushabti or shawabti) is a small funerary figurine found in ancient Egyptian tombs, dating from around 2000 BCE to 30 BCE. Its primary purpose was to serve as a helper for the deceased in the afterlife, performing manual tasks like farming or irrigation. Shabtis were often inscribed with a magical formula from the Book of the Dead to ensure they would come to life when summoned. The relatively short inscription on this example includes the opening and closing parts of the spell.
