**First Time At Auction**
Egypt, Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. This is an interesting piece of Egyptian symbolism, a cast leaded-bronze implement known as a flail, flagellum, or nekhakh. The flail was likely based off an agricultural harvesting or sheep herding tool to symbolize harvests and fertility. This stylized flail resembles a fly swatter, with three segments or strings hanging from the tip strung with cylindrical and drop shaped pieces. The flail came to be associated with the gods, particularly the god of the underworld, Osiris, and thereby the deceased. Pharaohs adopted the flail symbolism to demonstrate their godly lineage and the ability to provide and care for their people. The flail is often held by cult statues or ushabti, and this piece may have been cast separately and nestled into a clenched fist of such a statue. Size: 3" L x 2.75" W (7.6 cm x 7 cm)
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#140412
Condition
Loss to tip of one strand, otherwise intact. Some light mineral deposits and surface pitting. Rich green patina.