TimeLine Auctions

Auction 154  –  5 - 9 December 2023

TimeLine Auctions, Auction 154

Greek, Roman, Egyptian & Other Antiquities, Natural History & Coins

Part 1: Tu, 05.12.2023, from 1:00 PM CET
Part 2: We, 06.12.2023, from 1:00 PM CET
Part 3: Th, 07.12.2023, from 1:00 PM CET
Part 4: Fr, 08.12.2023, from 1:00 PM CET
Part 5: Sa, 09.12.2023, from 1:00 PM CET
The auction is closed.
Please note: Lots not collected by the seventh working day following the Date of Sale will be moved to storage at a transfer cost of £20 plus VAT per Lot and storage charges will thereafter be applied at the rate of £1.90 plus VAT per Lot per day until collected.

Description

Egyptian Bronze Anubis Finial
Late Period-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C. Standing before an enigmatic balloon-like object on a rectangular base with two supports flanking a short shank; mounted on a custom-made stand. Cf. Tiribilli, E., The bronze figurines of the Petrie Museum from 2000 BC to AD 400, GHP Egyptology 28, London, 2018, p.184, cat.no.259, for a less elaborate Wepwawet standard terminal. 377 grams total, 12.5 cm high including stand (5 in.).

Believed to have been collected (1899-1914) and in an early 20th century collection, with some references to Psamtik I, and a German funded expedition. Ex Ludwig Borchardt, Heliop. Private collection of Mr T.H., Norfolk, UK. Accompanied by a handwritten note from Ludwig Borchardt.

Wepwawet, the canine god, is strongly linked with Abydos and kingship. His name means 'Opener of the Ways' and may have had military connotations as someone who clears the path for his king. In funerary texts, Wepwawet guided the dead through the Underworld. The image of the god on a standard, as seen in this example, was carried in processions associated with Osiris and kingship. The balloon-like object, known as shed-shed, is mysterious but may have symbolised the royal placenta, which was considered the king's 'double'.

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Bidding

Price realized 440 GBP
Starting price 360 GBP
Estimate 500 GBP
The auction is closed.
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