Ancient Egypt, New Kingdom Wooden Headrest with old collection label and provenance back to the 80's - 15.5 cm
06
days
09
hours
44
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18
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Current bid
€ 600
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 9,000 - € 11,000
 | €600 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €1 |
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Ancient Egyptian wooden headrest from the New Kingdom, dating to circa 1567–1085 BC, 15.5 cm high, authentic/original and repaired, with documented provenance from a former American private collection and Galerie R. Eberwein of Germany.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Of simple lines, it is an object of use, since most of the funerary headrests were decorated with gods that protected its owner in moments of sleep, as well as inscriptions with name and titles of the deceased, or a greater work in its chiseling. These more elaborate ones, made of alabaster, limestone or quality wood, were made of different pieces, larger in size, thus complicating its use, and relegating it to a votive element that was part of the funerary trousseau. The headrests of this quality were reserved for the elite, the high dignitaries.
But this example is, having a suitable size for its function, an object of daily use. Its arched shape to support the head not only ensures a relatively comfortable position while sleeping, it also allows air to circulate around the head, an added advantage in Egypt’s hot and dusty climate. Even so, due to its rigidity it is believed to be more of a votive use.
This object appears in the Ancient Empire and lasted until the last years of the Egyptian civilization. Although such was its development that today it is still made and used in different African tribes. Its moment of splendor was in the Middle Empire, where each sarcophagus had to contain a headrest to accompany the deceased, so it was considered an integral part of the funerary ensemble.
Provenance: Former American private collection, 1980 / Galerie R. Eberwein (GmbH), Germany, 2015
Exhibited: Ifergan Collection museum, Málaga (2018-2020); Feriarte, IFEMA (Madrid, 12-20 November 2022)
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, accession number 12.181.308, for a comparable item; British Museum (UK), accession nº: EA51806
Statement seen by Catawiki. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
For buyers outside the European Union (EU) a Spanish export license is required. This will take several weeks to arrange.
Due to Switzerland customs regulations about antiques over 100 years old, this lot cannot be sold to customers residing in Switzerland.
Seller's Story
Ifergan Gallery – Ancient Art is an antique art gallery located in Malaga, with more than 10 years of experience specializing in ancient art and archaeology. The pieces we offer come from the Ifergan Collection Museum, which guarantees their historical value and quality. Our goal is to bring authentic archaeological pieces to both collectors and those who wish to start collecting, offering original works for different budgets and always with the maximum guarantees. All our pieces have been legally acquired and are shipped with a certificate of authenticity and export permit issued by the Spanish Ministry of Culture, with fast and secure shipping via DHL Express.
Of simple lines, it is an object of use, since most of the funerary headrests were decorated with gods that protected its owner in moments of sleep, as well as inscriptions with name and titles of the deceased, or a greater work in its chiseling. These more elaborate ones, made of alabaster, limestone or quality wood, were made of different pieces, larger in size, thus complicating its use, and relegating it to a votive element that was part of the funerary trousseau. The headrests of this quality were reserved for the elite, the high dignitaries.
But this example is, having a suitable size for its function, an object of daily use. Its arched shape to support the head not only ensures a relatively comfortable position while sleeping, it also allows air to circulate around the head, an added advantage in Egypt’s hot and dusty climate. Even so, due to its rigidity it is believed to be more of a votive use.
This object appears in the Ancient Empire and lasted until the last years of the Egyptian civilization. Although such was its development that today it is still made and used in different African tribes. Its moment of splendor was in the Middle Empire, where each sarcophagus had to contain a headrest to accompany the deceased, so it was considered an integral part of the funerary ensemble.
Provenance: Former American private collection, 1980 / Galerie R. Eberwein (GmbH), Germany, 2015
Exhibited: Ifergan Collection museum, Málaga (2018-2020); Feriarte, IFEMA (Madrid, 12-20 November 2022)
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, accession number 12.181.308, for a comparable item; British Museum (UK), accession nº: EA51806
Statement seen by Catawiki. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
For buyers outside the European Union (EU) a Spanish export license is required. This will take several weeks to arrange.
Due to Switzerland customs regulations about antiques over 100 years old, this lot cannot be sold to customers residing in Switzerland.
Seller's Story
Ifergan Gallery – Ancient Art is an antique art gallery located in Malaga, with more than 10 years of experience specializing in ancient art and archaeology. The pieces we offer come from the Ifergan Collection Museum, which guarantees their historical value and quality. Our goal is to bring authentic archaeological pieces to both collectors and those who wish to start collecting, offering original works for different budgets and always with the maximum guarantees. All our pieces have been legally acquired and are shipped with a certificate of authenticity and export permit issued by the Spanish Ministry of Culture, with fast and secure shipping via DHL Express.
Details
Culture
Ancient Egypt, New Kingdom
Century/timeframe
Circa 1567-1085 B.C
Name of object
Wooden Headrest with old collection label and provenance back to the 80's
Acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Year acquired
2015
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Repaired
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
15.5 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
United States
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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