Bronze Age, Canaanite Pottery HUGE Sarcophagus lid - 43 cm
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€ 250
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 2,000 - € 2,500
 | €250 |
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HUGE Sarcophagus lid, a Bronze Age Canaanite pottery lid dating to 1400–1200 BC, measuring 430 mm × 425 mm × 180 mm, in good condition with repairs, acquired from a French private collection and verified as original with Certificate of Authenticity and export license.
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Description from the seller
ITEM: HUGE Sarcophagus lid
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Bronze Age, Canaanite
PERIOD: 1400 - 1200 B.C
DIMENSIONS: 430 mm x 425 mm x 180 mm
CONDITION: Good condition, repaired
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired before 1990
PARALLEL: University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Object number 29-103-789, The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Accession number 82.2.815, The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Accession number 71.10.214, The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Accession number 71.10.211
The Canaanite sarcophagus lid is an extraordinary artifact that sheds light on the burial practices and artistic traditions of the ancient Canaanite civilization, which flourished in the Levant region from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age. These lids, typically crafted from stone such as limestone, were designed to cover sarcophagi, or stone coffins, that housed the deceased. The lids often featured intricate carvings and reliefs, reflecting both the artistic abilities of the Canaanites and their beliefs about the afterlife. Many Canaanite sarcophagi, particularly from the Late Bronze Age, show a fusion of Egyptian and local Canaanite influences, indicating the strong cultural exchange between these civilizations.
One notable characteristic of Canaanite sarcophagus lids is the stylized human face or mask often carved into the stone. This representation of the deceased, though somewhat abstract, was believed to honor and preserve the identity of the individual in the afterlife. The facial features, typically simple and symmetrical, were not highly personalized but followed conventional designs, which might have reflected the Canaanite belief in the continuity of the soul beyond physical death. Some lids also include decorative motifs, such as geometric patterns or symbols of fertility and protection, which were thought to ensure safe passage to the afterlife.
The Canaanite sarcophagus lid not only functioned as a protective seal for the body but also held religious and social significance. The craftsmanship and level of decoration on a sarcophagus and its lid could indicate the social status of the individual buried within. Wealthy or elite individuals were more likely to be interred in sarcophagi adorned with elaborate carvings and inscriptions. These artifacts provide valuable insights into Canaanite funerary customs, religious beliefs, and their interactions with neighboring cultures like Egypt. They are key pieces of evidence for understanding the broader Canaanite civilization and its place in the ancient world.
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: HUGE Sarcophagus lid
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Bronze Age, Canaanite
PERIOD: 1400 - 1200 B.C
DIMENSIONS: 430 mm x 425 mm x 180 mm
CONDITION: Good condition, repaired
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired before 1990
PARALLEL: University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Object number 29-103-789, The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Accession number 82.2.815, The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Accession number 71.10.214, The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Accession number 71.10.211
The Canaanite sarcophagus lid is an extraordinary artifact that sheds light on the burial practices and artistic traditions of the ancient Canaanite civilization, which flourished in the Levant region from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age. These lids, typically crafted from stone such as limestone, were designed to cover sarcophagi, or stone coffins, that housed the deceased. The lids often featured intricate carvings and reliefs, reflecting both the artistic abilities of the Canaanites and their beliefs about the afterlife. Many Canaanite sarcophagi, particularly from the Late Bronze Age, show a fusion of Egyptian and local Canaanite influences, indicating the strong cultural exchange between these civilizations.
One notable characteristic of Canaanite sarcophagus lids is the stylized human face or mask often carved into the stone. This representation of the deceased, though somewhat abstract, was believed to honor and preserve the identity of the individual in the afterlife. The facial features, typically simple and symmetrical, were not highly personalized but followed conventional designs, which might have reflected the Canaanite belief in the continuity of the soul beyond physical death. Some lids also include decorative motifs, such as geometric patterns or symbols of fertility and protection, which were thought to ensure safe passage to the afterlife.
The Canaanite sarcophagus lid not only functioned as a protective seal for the body but also held religious and social significance. The craftsmanship and level of decoration on a sarcophagus and its lid could indicate the social status of the individual buried within. Wealthy or elite individuals were more likely to be interred in sarcophagi adorned with elaborate carvings and inscriptions. These artifacts provide valuable insights into Canaanite funerary customs, religious beliefs, and their interactions with neighboring cultures like Egypt. They are key pieces of evidence for understanding the broader Canaanite civilization and its place in the ancient world.
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
Bronze Age, Canaanite
Century/timeframe
1400 – 1200 B.C
Name of object
HUGE Sarcophagus lid
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Material
Pottery
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Repaired
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
43 cm
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.
