Phoenician Grey-Fired Ceramic Phoenician Bes Head – Tyre - 8 cm
13
days
20
hours
23
minutes
11
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 400 - € 500
No bids placed
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 137843 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Phoenician Bes Head – Tyre, a fragmentary grey-fired ceramic representation of the protective deity Bes, probably dating to the 1st millennium BC, in fair condition, with a suspension perforation and mounted on a modern wooden display stand; acquired from Germany from a private collection.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Fragment of a figural representation of the protective deity Bes, probably from a Phoenician context and traditionally attributed to Tyre. The object is made of a grey, stone-like material, possibly fine grey ceramic or a mineral-based material. A definitive identification of the material would require examination of the object itself.
The frontal face displays the characteristic apotropaic features associated with Bes: large, wide-open eyes beneath strongly emphasized brows, a broad nose, full cheeks, and a prominently modelled mouth. The facial features are deliberately powerful and expressive. Above the forehead is a decoratively structured headdress. A large original perforation or suspension loop is preserved in the upper section, possibly intended for hanging or attachment.
Originally an Egyptian deity, Bes was also adopted beyond Egypt because of his protective and apotropaic function. His distinctive iconography became particularly widespread in the eastern Mediterranean and was incorporated into Phoenician and, later, Punic visual culture. Images of Bes and Bes-like protective figures were used as apotropaic symbols intended to ward off harmful influences and evil forces.
The object is preserved in fragmentary condition and mounted on a modern black wooden display stand. Losses and old break edges are visible around the headdress, along the sides, and at the lower edge. A crack runs through the upper right section. The surface shows age-related deposits, discoloration, and dark encrustations.
Fragmentary; mounted on a modern wooden display stand. Losses, cracking, and age-related surface deposits.
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 TranslateFragment of a figural representation of the protective deity Bes, probably from a Phoenician context and traditionally attributed to Tyre. The object is made of a grey, stone-like material, possibly fine grey ceramic or a mineral-based material. A definitive identification of the material would require examination of the object itself.
The frontal face displays the characteristic apotropaic features associated with Bes: large, wide-open eyes beneath strongly emphasized brows, a broad nose, full cheeks, and a prominently modelled mouth. The facial features are deliberately powerful and expressive. Above the forehead is a decoratively structured headdress. A large original perforation or suspension loop is preserved in the upper section, possibly intended for hanging or attachment.
Originally an Egyptian deity, Bes was also adopted beyond Egypt because of his protective and apotropaic function. His distinctive iconography became particularly widespread in the eastern Mediterranean and was incorporated into Phoenician and, later, Punic visual culture. Images of Bes and Bes-like protective figures were used as apotropaic symbols intended to ward off harmful influences and evil forces.
The object is preserved in fragmentary condition and mounted on a modern black wooden display stand. Losses and old break edges are visible around the headdress, along the sides, and at the lower edge. A crack runs through the upper right section. The surface shows age-related deposits, discoloration, and dark encrustations.
Fragmentary; mounted on a modern wooden display stand. Losses, cracking, and age-related surface deposits.
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
Phoenician
Century/timeframe
Probably 1st millennium BC
Name of object
Phoenician Bes Head – Tyre
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Grey-Fired Ceramic
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
8 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Width
5 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.
