Ancient Egypt Faience Huge tilapia-shaped container. 18.5 cm. - 9 cm

This object represents a tilapia modelled in faience and attributed to Ancient Egypt, specifically the 3rd century BC, a time corresponding to the Ptolemaic Period. Tilapia, a fish that inhabited the Nile, had a strong symbolism in Egyptian culture, associated with regeneration and rebirth due to its reproductive cycle and parental protective behaviour, which linked it to concepts of immortality and rebirth in the afterlife. This symbolism is closely related to divinities such as Hathor and Osiris, who embodied fertility and resurrection.

At first glance, it may seem curious that this piece is referred to as a “vessel” since it does not have any visible opening. However, in the context of Egyptian funerary and ritual art, this is not unusual. Many similar objects were created not so much for a utilitarian function, but as symbolic or votive containers. In this sense, a functional hole was not necessary, since the main purpose was spiritual and representational. In other cases, some vessels were moulded in two sealed parts, hiding their sacred contents inside. This could indicate that the piece housed amulets, sacred essences or small ritual objects intended to protect or guide the deceased in the afterlife.

The modelling of the tilapia presents a remarkable anatomical realism, with minute details in the scales, fins and open mouth, characteristics that reflect advanced artisanal skill. This realism not only denotes technical mastery, but also reinforces the cultural authenticity of the object, since Egyptian art sought a faithful representation of nature to channel its symbolic power.

The use of faience, a material composed of quartz and vitrified minerals, reinforces its ritual purpose. Faience was used in Ancient Egypt to create shiny and durable objects, associated with the divine and eternity. Although the original colour of this piece may have been blue or green, shades that symbolised the fertility of the Nile and eternal life, it currently exhibits an earthy patina and whitish spots. These characteristics could indicate the crystallisation of salts, a common phenomenon in archaeological objects that have remained buried for centuries, suggesting authenticity.

In terms of conservation, the piece is in good condition, with surface wear that seems to correspond to its age. This type of natural deterioration is consistent with authentic pieces and supports its possible archaeological origin.

This tilapia-shaped vessel probably had a votive or symbolic use. In Egyptian iconography, fish were associated with life, fertility, and regeneration, with tilapia being a symbol of rebirth due to its protective behaviour of the young, evoking the cycle of life and death. In the funerary context, these vessels could be placed in tombs as offerings to ensure resurrection and protection in the afterlife.

During the Ptolemaic Period, numerous votive and ritual objects were produced that fused Egyptian religious traditions with Hellenistic influences. The choice of tilapia not only reflects a continuity in Egyptian symbolism, but also an adaptation of artistic forms to the new cultural influences of the time. Similar pieces have been found in temples and tombs dedicated to Hathor and Osiris, where aquatic iconography evoked the fertility of the Nile and life after death.

In short, this tilapia-shaped “vessel” stands out not only for its artistic quality and detailed realism, but also for its deep symbolic and ritual meaning. Although it does not fulfil the practical functionality of a vessel in the modern sense, its spiritual purpose and symbolic charge make it a significant artefact of the Egyptian worldview. Authenticity seems plausible, but it would be ideal to complement it with scientific studies and comparisons with museum collections for a definitive evaluation.

Acquired from a Spanish private collection, F.C.B in the 70s.
The piece includes an authenticity certificate.

The seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will ensure that any necessary permits are arranged; this process can take between 2 and 4 weeks.

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