Romano-Egyptian Bronze Snake Ring

Modelled in the round as the ibis-headed human figure of Thoth, with a plain dorsal pillar, pierced at the top for suspension. 8.71 grams, 48.29 mm



Ex early 20th century London, UK, collection.

The ibis-headed form of Thoth is particularly significant in funerary contexts, as this depiction of the god frequently appears in Weighing of the Heart scenes, where the dead are judged before a divine tribunal for entry into the Hereafter. Thoth's role was to record the final judgement, which determined whether the deceased had led a virtuous life.

Rectangular frieze fragment with advancing figure in profile wearing a shendyt kilt holding up two poles in his raised hands; to his rear, part of a second figure with an openwork wooden frame (footstool) and other items; mounted in sturdy wooden frame with suspension rings to the reverse; surface has been extensively cleaned, restored, and repainted. 6.8 kg, 40.5 x 32.2 cm



Mounted in an early 20th-century wooden frame bearing a stamped inscription reading “Exposition Paris …” From the collection of L.V. (1950-1960), Paris, France. Collection of Monsieur X. (1931-2017), dispersed for the benefit of the Monaco Red Cross. Private collection, Europe. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.13224-249307.

The servant is carrying geese, like in many other representations of the New Kingdom. Many portrayals of ducks and geese in ancient Egyptian art show the importance of the birds as food. Servants plucking geese are visible in the tomb of Nakht, in Luxor (1567-1320 B.C.), and in the famous tomb of Nebamun, at the British Museum, a fresco fragment shows workers standing in front of a gaggle of geese.

Including four seated cats, a Horus falcon, a Bes head, a standing baboon, male genitalia, a trussed duck, and other amuletic types. 18.92 grams total, 15-26 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.