Ancient Egyptian Limestone Concubine head. 3,2 cm H. Late Period, 664 - 332 BC
05
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05
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Current bid
€ 16
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 1,100 - € 1,400
 | €16 | |
|---|---|---|
| €13 | |
 | €10 | |
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Ancient Egyptian concubine head in limestone with pigments, 3.2 cm high, Late Period (664–332 BC); original, good condition with copper display stand, acquired in 2024 from a private collection in France.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Concubine figure head
Ancient Egypt, Late Period, 664 - 332 BC
Limestone and pigments
3,2 cm height, without stand
Coopper stand display included, 6,5 cm height.
Provenance:
- Private colecction, France, before 1980
Condition: Good, original state, not restored, see photos.
In Ancient Egypt, small figures of concubines were created in materials such as stone, wood, and faience. These objects are often known as “concubine figures” or “servant figures” and were placed in tombs as part of funerary equipment. They were especially common during the New Kingdom and later periods.
The figures usually represent women with long hair, naked or wearing simple clothing, and sometimes decorated with jewelry or tattoos. Their bodies are often shown in relaxed or sensual poses, emphasizing their connection with beauty, fertility, and pleasure. Some figures hold objects associated with daily activities, such as mirrors, baskets, or musical instruments.
Different materials had different symbolic and practical qualities. Stone figures were durable and could last for eternity, while wooden figures allowed artists to create more natural poses and details. Faience, a bright blue or green glazed material, was particularly important in Egyptian culture because its colors were associated with life, rebirth, and regeneration.
Although they were traditionally interpreted as representations of concubines, modern scholars have suggested that their meaning may have been more complex. They could symbolize fertility, rebirth, sexuality, or the deceased’s desire for companionship and pleasure in the afterlife. Therefore, these small figures provide valuable information about Egyptian beliefs, art, and ideas about life after death.
Seller's Story
IMPORTANT NOTES:
-We are a professional seller.
- All items sold will come with their professional invoice.
- All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item.
- All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number).
- All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued.
- For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
- For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees 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 on 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%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
- We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google TranslateConcubine figure head
Ancient Egypt, Late Period, 664 - 332 BC
Limestone and pigments
3,2 cm height, without stand
Coopper stand display included, 6,5 cm height.
Provenance:
- Private colecction, France, before 1980
Condition: Good, original state, not restored, see photos.
In Ancient Egypt, small figures of concubines were created in materials such as stone, wood, and faience. These objects are often known as “concubine figures” or “servant figures” and were placed in tombs as part of funerary equipment. They were especially common during the New Kingdom and later periods.
The figures usually represent women with long hair, naked or wearing simple clothing, and sometimes decorated with jewelry or tattoos. Their bodies are often shown in relaxed or sensual poses, emphasizing their connection with beauty, fertility, and pleasure. Some figures hold objects associated with daily activities, such as mirrors, baskets, or musical instruments.
Different materials had different symbolic and practical qualities. Stone figures were durable and could last for eternity, while wooden figures allowed artists to create more natural poses and details. Faience, a bright blue or green glazed material, was particularly important in Egyptian culture because its colors were associated with life, rebirth, and regeneration.
Although they were traditionally interpreted as representations of concubines, modern scholars have suggested that their meaning may have been more complex. They could symbolize fertility, rebirth, sexuality, or the deceased’s desire for companionship and pleasure in the afterlife. Therefore, these small figures provide valuable information about Egyptian beliefs, art, and ideas about life after death.
Seller's Story
IMPORTANT NOTES:
-We are a professional seller.
- All items sold will come with their professional invoice.
- All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item.
- All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number).
- All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued.
- For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
- For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees 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 on 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%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
- We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Egyptian
Century/timeframe
Late Period, 664 - 332 BC
Name of object
Concubine head. 3,2 cm H. Late Period, 664 - 332 BC
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2024
Material
Limestone
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
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.
