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LOT 0453
Large Egyptian Steatite Scarab
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1 1/2 in. (19.8 grams, 38 mm).
Modelled body of a beetle with detailed carapace and legs; underside with two crocodiles enclosing a central sun disc flanked by two papyrus clumps atop neb signs.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 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., Button and Design Scarabs, London, 1925, pl. XIV, nos. 899-901, for scarabs featuring the two-crocodile design.
FootnotesThe design could be interpreted as ‘Sobek-Ra, lord of the Delta’. Sobek was mainly associated with water, fertility, and the Nile, as well as strength and military prowess. His worship spans much of ancient Egyptian history, from at least the Old Kingdom to the Roman period, and he was honoured not only as a force of nature but also as a god of healing, protection, and royal authority. He was associated with various other deities, most often with the sun god in the form of Sobek-Ra. His primary cult centres were situated in the Faiyum region, especially in the city of Crocodilopolis, and also at Kom Ombo in Upper Egypt.
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:
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Egyptian Blue Faience Bead Group
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Comprising mainly long cylindrical beads with some larger beads. 7.7 grams total, 2-24 mm
Part of a group excavated by Petrie at Gurob, latterly in a London, UK, collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Egyptian Mixed Scarab Collection
2nd-1st millennium B.C. and laterEstimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
Stone plaque with raised relief depictions of the Apis bull and a falcon deity beneath; a mixed group of scarabs and scaraboids, most bearing text or motifs on the underside, including: a rope border enclosing the head of a lion wearing a sun disc and uraeus; a plain gold scaraboid; a line border enclosing the throne name of Amenhotep III (neb-maat-Re); an indeterminate standing figure; a central hes- vase flanked by rearing cobras; a group of hieroglyphs, perhaps a slightly incorrect spelling of the throne name of Amenhotep II (akheperu-Re); and a group of four hieroglyphs. 36.9 grams total, 14-35 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Egyptian Faience and Hardstone Amulet Group
Late-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Including two wedjat eyes, a seated baboon, plumb bob, uraeus, scarab, falcon, recumbent lion, suckling sow (representing Nut), and a fringe-edged disc bead. 8.08 grams total, 9-18 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.
