Depiction of an oxyrhynchus, the sacred fish of the Nile known to the Egyptians as the medjed. It has a spindle-shaped body with a characteristic downward-curving snout. It features prominent dorsal and pectoral fins and a forked tail. On its head it wears a headdress of bovine horns with a solar disc, the symbol of the goddess Hathor or Isis. In some examples, the eyes were originally inlays of glass or precious metals. The fish rests on two small integrated supports or ‘legs’ which stand on a rectangular bronze pedestal. This fish plays a central role in the myth of Osiris; according to legend, it was the fish that devoured the god’s phallus after his body had been dismembered by Seth. Because of this, it became a sacred animal and its consumption was forbidden in certain regions of Egypt. It is most likely a ritual object offered in temples as a votive offering to secure divine favours. Provenance: Marseille Auction House, 1989; Acquired at auction, France, 2026 Statement seen by Catawiki. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days. For buyers outside the European Union (EU) a Spanish export license is required. This will take several weeks to arrange. Due to Switzerland customs regulations, this lot cannot be sold to customers residing in Switzerland