Romano - Egyptian Bone Bone Idol / Anthropomorphic Figure - 11 cm
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 600 - € 750
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Description from the seller
Small anthropomorphic figure carved from light-colored bone, featuring an elongated neck and a stylized female upper body. The finely carved face displays almond-shaped eyes, a slender nose, and a calm, closed mouth. The head is framed by an incised diadem or stylized headdress, while the columnar lower body is decorated with engraved geometric linear motifs.
A central perforation at the top may have been intended to hold an additional element or may indicate its use as a ritual finial, cult object, or ceremonial attachment. The simplified form and restrained linear style are characteristic of archaic anthropomorphic idols from the eastern Mediterranean.
The surface exhibits an attractive light cream-colored patina with age-related wear and minor discoloration, consistent with long-term ageing.
Comparable bone and ivory idols are known from the ancient eastern Mediterranean and were commonly used as votive offerings, amulets, or small ritual objects.
Condition: Well preserved with age-related wear, minor surface abrasions, and natural patina.
Provenance: Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany. Acquired during the owners' extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. Documented in Germany by 1970 and subsequently retained in continuous family ownership.
Seller's Story
I am pleased to be able to offer my pieces here on Catawiki.
Transparency: In my offers, you will find all documents and information available to me. Furthermore, there are no additional documents.
Authenticity certificates: If no authenticity certificate is available, I do not promise one. All the documentation I have is attached to the auction.
Provenance: Many pieces come from the estate of a passionate collector who gathered items over 50 years, traveled the world, and also accompanied archaeological expeditions. She has been deceased for about 20 years, which is why no additional documents are available.
Fairness: I list my items honestly and without a minimum price – no one is forced to spend more than they wish.
My goal is fair and open trade, where buyers know exactly what to expect.
Translated by Google TranslateSmall anthropomorphic figure carved from light-colored bone, featuring an elongated neck and a stylized female upper body. The finely carved face displays almond-shaped eyes, a slender nose, and a calm, closed mouth. The head is framed by an incised diadem or stylized headdress, while the columnar lower body is decorated with engraved geometric linear motifs.
A central perforation at the top may have been intended to hold an additional element or may indicate its use as a ritual finial, cult object, or ceremonial attachment. The simplified form and restrained linear style are characteristic of archaic anthropomorphic idols from the eastern Mediterranean.
The surface exhibits an attractive light cream-colored patina with age-related wear and minor discoloration, consistent with long-term ageing.
Comparable bone and ivory idols are known from the ancient eastern Mediterranean and were commonly used as votive offerings, amulets, or small ritual objects.
Condition: Well preserved with age-related wear, minor surface abrasions, and natural patina.
Provenance: Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany. Acquired during the owners' extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. Documented in Germany by 1970 and subsequently retained in continuous family ownership.
Seller's Story
I am pleased to be able to offer my pieces here on Catawiki.
Transparency: In my offers, you will find all documents and information available to me. Furthermore, there are no additional documents.
Authenticity certificates: If no authenticity certificate is available, I do not promise one. All the documentation I have is attached to the auction.
Provenance: Many pieces come from the estate of a passionate collector who gathered items over 50 years, traveled the world, and also accompanied archaeological expeditions. She has been deceased for about 20 years, which is why no additional documents are available.
Fairness: I list my items honestly and without a minimum price – no one is forced to spend more than they wish.
My goal is fair and open trade, where buyers know exactly what to expect.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Romano - Egyptian
Century/timeframe
ca 2nd to 3rd century A.D.
Name of object
Bone Idol / Anthropomorphic Figure
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Bone
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
11 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Width
2 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
Depth
3 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
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.
Bidders need to be aware that several countries do not allow importing objects derived from endangered and other protected species, even if a certificate of origin is provided. By bidding, you confirm that you have familiarised yourself with customs laws and regulations of your own country.
Bidders need to be aware that several countries do not allow importing objects derived from endangered and other protected species, even if a certificate of origin is provided. By bidding, you confirm that you have familiarised yourself with customs laws and regulations of your own country.
