Ancient Egypt, limestone huge God Bes - 19 cm

04
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10
hours
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32
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Current bid
€ 500
Reserve price not met
Ruth Garrido Vila
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila

Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.

Estimate  € 6,000 - € 6,600
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Ancient Egyptian limestone Bes statue from the New Kingdom (c. 1539–1077 BC), 19 cm high, 9 cm wide and 5 cm deep, in good condition with an authenticity certificate and provenance from a private Spanish collection.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

God Bes stone carved figure that belongs to the culture of Ancient Egypt, specifically the New Kingdom (1539 - 1077 BC). With dimensions of 19 cm high, 9 cm wide and 5 cm deep, this piece represents the God Bes, one of the most popular deities of the Egyptian pantheon, associated with the protection of the home, childbirth and fertility, as well as being a guardian against evil spirits.

The sculpture shows Bes with his characteristic compact and robust body, a face with a prominent beard and a severe expression, which highlights his apotropaic function. He was represented with a defiant attitude and a firm posture to ward off evil influences. Unlike other Egyptian divinities that were represented in profile, Bes appears from the front, a unique feature within Egyptian art.

The surface of the figure preserves traces of reddish pigmentation, suggesting that it was originally painted to highlight its facial and body features. Its state of preservation is good despite its age, although it shows wear and erosion due to time.

In Egyptian culture, amulets and figures of Bes were placed in homes and temples, and it was believed that his mere presence ward off evil influences. He was also a protector of childhood and motherhood, which is why he was associated with fertility and birth rituals. His popularity transcended Pharaonic Egypt and spread to other regions of the Mediterranean.

This piece is an exceptional example of Egyptian votive art, showing devotion to Bes as the protector of daily life and the family. Its compact design and the preservation of its sculpted details reinforce its value within the religious and cultural context of Ancient Egypt.

Acquired from a Spanish private collection, I.B.T in the 80's.
- The piece includes 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 take care that any necessary permits will be arranged, this process can take between 2 and 4 weeks.

IMPORTANT: Due to the new laws on the export of archaeological pieces, we have decided to NO LONGER sell outside the European territory for the following countries: SWITZERLAND & UNITED STATES of AMERICA.

For other destinations out of European territory: all our items will be shipped after obtaining a definitive LICENSE EXPORTATION by the Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between
4-8 weeks. According to Spanish legislation, items sent outside the European Union are subjected to export taxes. The taxes will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price, and the tax rate is not applied directly to the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it:
Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. / From 6.001 to 60.000 euros: 10 %.

Please note that for far destination (Asia, middle east etc.. ), there will be an additional cost for the shipping.

God Bes stone carved figure that belongs to the culture of Ancient Egypt, specifically the New Kingdom (1539 - 1077 BC). With dimensions of 19 cm high, 9 cm wide and 5 cm deep, this piece represents the God Bes, one of the most popular deities of the Egyptian pantheon, associated with the protection of the home, childbirth and fertility, as well as being a guardian against evil spirits.

The sculpture shows Bes with his characteristic compact and robust body, a face with a prominent beard and a severe expression, which highlights his apotropaic function. He was represented with a defiant attitude and a firm posture to ward off evil influences. Unlike other Egyptian divinities that were represented in profile, Bes appears from the front, a unique feature within Egyptian art.

The surface of the figure preserves traces of reddish pigmentation, suggesting that it was originally painted to highlight its facial and body features. Its state of preservation is good despite its age, although it shows wear and erosion due to time.

In Egyptian culture, amulets and figures of Bes were placed in homes and temples, and it was believed that his mere presence ward off evil influences. He was also a protector of childhood and motherhood, which is why he was associated with fertility and birth rituals. His popularity transcended Pharaonic Egypt and spread to other regions of the Mediterranean.

This piece is an exceptional example of Egyptian votive art, showing devotion to Bes as the protector of daily life and the family. Its compact design and the preservation of its sculpted details reinforce its value within the religious and cultural context of Ancient Egypt.

Acquired from a Spanish private collection, I.B.T in the 80's.
- The piece includes 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 take care that any necessary permits will be arranged, this process can take between 2 and 4 weeks.

IMPORTANT: Due to the new laws on the export of archaeological pieces, we have decided to NO LONGER sell outside the European territory for the following countries: SWITZERLAND & UNITED STATES of AMERICA.

For other destinations out of European territory: all our items will be shipped after obtaining a definitive LICENSE EXPORTATION by the Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between
4-8 weeks. According to Spanish legislation, items sent outside the European Union are subjected to export taxes. The taxes will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price, and the tax rate is not applied directly to the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it:
Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. / From 6.001 to 60.000 euros: 10 %.

Please note that for far destination (Asia, middle east etc.. ), there will be an additional cost for the shipping.

Details

Culture
Ancient Egypt,
Century/timeframe
New Kingdom 1539-1077 B.C
Name of object
limestone huge God Bes
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2013
Country acquired from
Spain
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
19 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Width
9 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Spain
Depth
5 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
SpainVerified
347
Objects sold
100%
pro

Disclaimer

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

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