Ancient Egypt, Third Intermediate Period Lapis Lazuli Amulet - 3.7 cm
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 500 - € 650
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Description from the seller
Ancient Egyptian Lapis Lazuli Amulet – Possibly Depicting the Lion-Headed Goddess Sekhmet
Third Intermediate Period to Late Period, Dynasties 21–26 (ca. 1070–525 BC)
An ancient Egyptian lapis lazuli amulet carved in the form of a standing anthropomorphic female figure, possibly depicting the lion-headed goddess Sekhmet, or a closely related leonine protective deity. The figure is rendered in a highly stylised and compact manner, with schematic anatomical modelling, an elongated wig or headdress, and subtly indicated breasts. The profile appears to display a projecting muzzle and leonine facial characteristics, features that may evoke representations of Sekhmet, the powerful goddess of protection, healing, warfare and divine retribution.
During the Third Intermediate and Late Periods, small protective amulets representing deities were widely worn as personal devotional objects and talismans believed to convey divine protection and magical efficacy to their owners. The use of lapis lazuli or blue-coloured stones was particularly significant in ancient Egyptian religious thought, as the deep blue colour symbolised the heavens, regeneration and divine power.
The amulet is pierced transversely for suspension and was intended to be worn as a personal ornament, probably suspended from a necklace or incorporated into an amuletic assemblage. The carving exhibits careful workmanship and preserves an attractive archaeological surface.
The surface retains traces of deep blue mineral coloration together with extensive dark mineral encrustations and ancient burial deposits, particularly visible within the recessed areas and on the reverse. These age-related accretions contribute to the object's archaeological character and visual appeal.
On the basis of its iconography, workmanship and overall typology, the piece can plausibly be attributed to the Third Intermediate to Late Period, Dynasties 21–26 (ca. 1070–525 BC).
Material: Lapis lazuli with ancient mineral deposits and encrustations.
Dimensions: Approximately 3.7 cm in height.
Condition: Good overall condition. Ancient wear, surface ageing, dark mineral accretions and burial deposits are present throughout the surface. Minor losses and abrasions are consistent with great age and prolonged burial.
Provenance:
Acquired from Harmer Rooke Numismatists Ltd., United States.
A particularly appealing and uncommon ancient Egyptian amulet, preserving excellent archaeological character and possibly representing one of Egypt's most revered protective deities, the lion-headed goddess Sekhmet.
Seller's Story
Archaeologia Antiqua Gallery has over 20 years of experience in the acquisition and study of archaeological antiquities and ancient fine art, sourced from renowned U.S. and international fine art galleries, established private collections, and specialized dealers.
Each lot offered is selected with the utmost care and evaluated individually, with particular attention to documented provenance, collection history, and legal acquisition in accordance with international standards and regulations.
Our focus is on objects with a clear and verifiable collecting history, often originating from old European and international collections, and handled with a scholarly and responsible approach.
We are committed to transparency, accuracy in descriptions, and the preservation of cultural heritage, offering collectors pieces that reflect historical significance, authenticity, and long-term value.
Ancient Egyptian Lapis Lazuli Amulet – Possibly Depicting the Lion-Headed Goddess Sekhmet
Third Intermediate Period to Late Period, Dynasties 21–26 (ca. 1070–525 BC)
An ancient Egyptian lapis lazuli amulet carved in the form of a standing anthropomorphic female figure, possibly depicting the lion-headed goddess Sekhmet, or a closely related leonine protective deity. The figure is rendered in a highly stylised and compact manner, with schematic anatomical modelling, an elongated wig or headdress, and subtly indicated breasts. The profile appears to display a projecting muzzle and leonine facial characteristics, features that may evoke representations of Sekhmet, the powerful goddess of protection, healing, warfare and divine retribution.
During the Third Intermediate and Late Periods, small protective amulets representing deities were widely worn as personal devotional objects and talismans believed to convey divine protection and magical efficacy to their owners. The use of lapis lazuli or blue-coloured stones was particularly significant in ancient Egyptian religious thought, as the deep blue colour symbolised the heavens, regeneration and divine power.
The amulet is pierced transversely for suspension and was intended to be worn as a personal ornament, probably suspended from a necklace or incorporated into an amuletic assemblage. The carving exhibits careful workmanship and preserves an attractive archaeological surface.
The surface retains traces of deep blue mineral coloration together with extensive dark mineral encrustations and ancient burial deposits, particularly visible within the recessed areas and on the reverse. These age-related accretions contribute to the object's archaeological character and visual appeal.
On the basis of its iconography, workmanship and overall typology, the piece can plausibly be attributed to the Third Intermediate to Late Period, Dynasties 21–26 (ca. 1070–525 BC).
Material: Lapis lazuli with ancient mineral deposits and encrustations.
Dimensions: Approximately 3.7 cm in height.
Condition: Good overall condition. Ancient wear, surface ageing, dark mineral accretions and burial deposits are present throughout the surface. Minor losses and abrasions are consistent with great age and prolonged burial.
Provenance:
Acquired from Harmer Rooke Numismatists Ltd., United States.
A particularly appealing and uncommon ancient Egyptian amulet, preserving excellent archaeological character and possibly representing one of Egypt's most revered protective deities, the lion-headed goddess Sekhmet.
Seller's Story
Archaeologia Antiqua Gallery has over 20 years of experience in the acquisition and study of archaeological antiquities and ancient fine art, sourced from renowned U.S. and international fine art galleries, established private collections, and specialized dealers.
Each lot offered is selected with the utmost care and evaluated individually, with particular attention to documented provenance, collection history, and legal acquisition in accordance with international standards and regulations.
Our focus is on objects with a clear and verifiable collecting history, often originating from old European and international collections, and handled with a scholarly and responsible approach.
We are committed to transparency, accuracy in descriptions, and the preservation of cultural heritage, offering collectors pieces that reflect historical significance, authenticity, and long-term value.
Details
Culture
Ancient Egypt, Third Intermediate Period
Century/timeframe
1075-525 BC
Name of object
Amulet
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
1978
Material
Lapis Lazuli
Country acquired from
United States
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Auction house
Height
3.7 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1978
Width
0.5 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
United States
Depth
2 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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.
