LARGE EGYPTIAN MAAHES STATUETTE
Late Period - Ptolemaic Dynasty, c. 663-30 BC.
Statuette of the war god Maahes enthroned on a modern stand. His leonine head is adorned with a nemes headdress and a false beard, and his hands are joined over his stomach to hold a sceptre that extends down to the ankles, bending with the seated body. The throne is richly adorned on the sides with figurative designs. Much of his left arm and ear are missing. Maahes was a benevolent warrior god, the son of Ptah and Bast/Sekhment, who was associated with protection and victory. This likely would have been given as a votive offering to a shrine or temple of the god in exchange for his favour, perhaps in battle. This votive statue of the Lion God of War Maahes who protected the Pharoah whilst he was in battle. He also protected the innocent dead and held important roles in the afterlife process.
Size: L:With stand: 165mm / W:64mm ; 280g
Provenance: From a private London collection; acquired on the UK art market in the 1960s-1970s.
Estimate: GBP 750 - 1500