Phoenician Terracotta Head

Upper portion of an arch-top limestone stele fragment with two dressed faces; the obverse lunette features a winged sun disc flanked by uraei and two partial rows of incised pseudo-hieroglyphs below; the reverse displays the head of the god Bes in high relief, with traces of the head of the young Horus immediately below, who would have been depicted grasping the two partially preserved snakes and a scorpion carved in raised relief to the right; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 450 grams total, 11.6 cm high including stand



Frossart Collection, France, by the 19th century. Private collection, London, UK.

Although fragmentary, this stela is easily recognisable as a Horus cippus or magical stela. They were used to heal ailments caused by snake or scorpion venom. Ancient Egyptians believed that water poured over these cippi would turn into a healing liquid that the afflicted could drink or apply to their bodies.

A blue glazed composition pendant in the form of a lotus, with some repair to the suspension loop. 0.26 grams, 14 mm



Ex early 20th century London collection.

Miniature alabsatron with ovoid body and flared rim to the mouth; collector's inked number '1' inside mouth; rim chipped. 22 grams, 41 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.