Ancient Egypt, Middle Kingdom Limestone Libation Table with Hieroglyphic Inscriptions - 25 cm
05
days
11
hours
16
minutes
40
seconds
Current bid
€ 1,900
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 4,500 - € 7,000
 | €1,900 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €1,800 | |
 | €1,700 | |
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Libation Table with Hieroglyphic Inscriptions, an Ancient Egyptian limestone relief from the Middle Kingdom (c. 2055–1650 BC), 25 cm high and 25 cm wide, featuring a central Ba-bird before an offering table with hieroglyphic inscriptions; professionally restored from fragments, condition Fair, acquired in 2025 from Germany from a private collection.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Rare ancient Egyptian limestone libation table carved in relief and inscribed with hieroglyphic texts. At the centre is a finely executed representation of the Ba-bird standing before an offering table laden with offerings. The central scene is framed by vertical columns of hieroglyphs containing offering formulae as well as the name and titles of the deceased.
The lower section features a carefully carved libation channel, designed to allow ritual offerings such as water, wine, beer, or milk to flow across the surface. Libation tables of this type were placed in front of tombs or inside funerary chapels and played an essential role in ancient Egyptian mortuary rituals. The offerings symbolically sustained the deceased in the afterlife and formed an integral part of Egyptian funerary beliefs.
The stone has been professionally reconstructed from several original fragments. Despite the ancient break lines, the relief decoration and hieroglyphic inscriptions remain well preserved and clearly legible. The reverse retains ancient tool marks and the characteristic unfinished surface typical of Egyptian limestone funerary monuments.
Condition:
Professionally restored from several original fragments. Visible ancient break lines and minor losses. Age-related surface wear and an attractive natural archaeological patina. Overall a well-preserved and highly representative example of Middle Kingdom Egyptian funerary art.
Provenance:
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany. Acquired during the owners' extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection has been documented in Germany since 1970 and remained in continuous family ownership thereafter. As was customary for private purchases made in local markets during the 1950s–1970s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested. The provenance is therefore documented through the family's continuous ownership, historical photographs, and supporting biographical records.
#Masterpiece26
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 TranslateRare ancient Egyptian limestone libation table carved in relief and inscribed with hieroglyphic texts. At the centre is a finely executed representation of the Ba-bird standing before an offering table laden with offerings. The central scene is framed by vertical columns of hieroglyphs containing offering formulae as well as the name and titles of the deceased.
The lower section features a carefully carved libation channel, designed to allow ritual offerings such as water, wine, beer, or milk to flow across the surface. Libation tables of this type were placed in front of tombs or inside funerary chapels and played an essential role in ancient Egyptian mortuary rituals. The offerings symbolically sustained the deceased in the afterlife and formed an integral part of Egyptian funerary beliefs.
The stone has been professionally reconstructed from several original fragments. Despite the ancient break lines, the relief decoration and hieroglyphic inscriptions remain well preserved and clearly legible. The reverse retains ancient tool marks and the characteristic unfinished surface typical of Egyptian limestone funerary monuments.
Condition:
Professionally restored from several original fragments. Visible ancient break lines and minor losses. Age-related surface wear and an attractive natural archaeological patina. Overall a well-preserved and highly representative example of Middle Kingdom Egyptian funerary art.
Provenance:
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany. Acquired during the owners' extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection has been documented in Germany since 1970 and remained in continuous family ownership thereafter. As was customary for private purchases made in local markets during the 1950s–1970s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested. The provenance is therefore documented through the family's continuous ownership, historical photographs, and supporting biographical records.
#Masterpiece26
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
Ancient Egypt, Middle Kingdom
Century/timeframe
Middle Kingdom, c. 2055–1650 BC
Name of object
Libation Table with Hieroglyphic Inscriptions
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Limestone
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
25 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Width
25 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
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.
