Ancient Egypt, Late Period Bronze Goddess Meretseger with Osiris crown
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 850 - € 1,000
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This bronze figure of the Egyptian goddess Meretseger wearing the crown of Osiris dates to the Late Period (664–332 BC) and measures 53 × 18 mm.
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Description from the seller
ITEM: Goddess Meretseger with Osiris crown
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Egyptian
PERIOD: Late period, 664 - 332 B.C
DIMENSIONS: 53 mm x 18 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired between 1960s - 1980s
Meretseger, whose name translates eloquently to "She Who Loves Silence," is one of ancient Egypt's most unique and localized deities. Primarily revered by the royal necropolis workers and artisans of Deir el-Medina who carved the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, she was the fierce yet protective mistress of the Theban Hills. Unlike the grand state gods worshipped in massive temples along the Nile, Meretseger was deeply intertwined with the daily lives, fears, and devotion of the common craftsmen. She was often envisioned in serpent form—frequently as a venomous cobra coiled atop the desert cliffs—watching over the sacred landscape and punishing those who broke oaths or attempted to rob the royal sepulchres.
When depicted with the Atef crown or the distinct red-and-white double crown of Osiris, Meretseger takes on a profound funerary and theological dimension. The Osiris crown symbolizes ultimate sovereignty, resurrection, and dominion over the underworld, blending her indigenous reptilian nature with the cosmic order of Osiris, the lord of the dead. In these representations, the cobra goddess bridges the gap between the wild, untamed desert wilderness and the civilized, eternal realm of rebirth. Her association with Osiris underscores her role as a guardian of souls, ensuring that the pharaohs and the humble artisans alike transitioned safely from mortal life into the eternal peace of the afterlife.
Today, representations of Meretseger wearing divine regalia serve as a testament to the sophisticated religious imagination of ancient Egyptian workmen. She embodies a fascinating paradox: a deadly desert predator transformed into a compassionate mother figure who offered divine mercy to the repentant, while striking terror into the hearts of tomb desecrators. Through her union with the iconography of Osiris, she stands immortalized not just as a local spirit of the Theban peak, but as a timeless symbol of divine justice, protection, and the eternal triumph over death.
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateITEM: Goddess Meretseger with Osiris crown
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Egyptian
PERIOD: Late period, 664 - 332 B.C
DIMENSIONS: 53 mm x 18 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired between 1960s - 1980s
Meretseger, whose name translates eloquently to "She Who Loves Silence," is one of ancient Egypt's most unique and localized deities. Primarily revered by the royal necropolis workers and artisans of Deir el-Medina who carved the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, she was the fierce yet protective mistress of the Theban Hills. Unlike the grand state gods worshipped in massive temples along the Nile, Meretseger was deeply intertwined with the daily lives, fears, and devotion of the common craftsmen. She was often envisioned in serpent form—frequently as a venomous cobra coiled atop the desert cliffs—watching over the sacred landscape and punishing those who broke oaths or attempted to rob the royal sepulchres.
When depicted with the Atef crown or the distinct red-and-white double crown of Osiris, Meretseger takes on a profound funerary and theological dimension. The Osiris crown symbolizes ultimate sovereignty, resurrection, and dominion over the underworld, blending her indigenous reptilian nature with the cosmic order of Osiris, the lord of the dead. In these representations, the cobra goddess bridges the gap between the wild, untamed desert wilderness and the civilized, eternal realm of rebirth. Her association with Osiris underscores her role as a guardian of souls, ensuring that the pharaohs and the humble artisans alike transitioned safely from mortal life into the eternal peace of the afterlife.
Today, representations of Meretseger wearing divine regalia serve as a testament to the sophisticated religious imagination of ancient Egyptian workmen. She embodies a fascinating paradox: a deadly desert predator transformed into a compassionate mother figure who offered divine mercy to the repentant, while striking terror into the hearts of tomb desecrators. Through her union with the iconography of Osiris, she stands immortalized not just as a local spirit of the Theban peak, but as a timeless symbol of divine justice, protection, and the eternal triumph over death.
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Egypt, Late Period
Century/timeframe
Late Period, 664 – 332 B.C
Name of object
Goddess Meretseger with Osiris crown
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
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
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.
