Egypt, Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. A soft green amulet in the form of a mummified ram in a recumbent pose on an integral rectangular plinth, finely mold-formed from faience. The animal lays with extended legs in front of a naturalistic ram head replete with almond eyes, relaxed ears, a rounded snout with nostrils, and a pair of large, curving horns resting on top. A petite, trifurcated suspension loop is situated just behind the head and allows the piece to be worn as a pendant. The ram is symbolic of Khnum, one of the oldest Egyptian deities, believed to be the source of the Nile River and the creator who molded human bodies and other deities from the rich silt along the river's banks. A beautiful ram amulet that was believed to bestow the wearer with virility. Size: 1" L x 0.25" W x 0.5" H (2.5 cm x 0.6 cm x 1.3 cm)
Provenance: private Toronto, Ontario, Canada collection, by descent, acquired in Egypt in 1894 to 1896
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#167128
Condition
Chips to the base and high pointed areas. Weathering and fading of faience surface. Light mineral and earthen deposits.