Ancient Egypt, Late Period Wood Figure of Osiris with Original Papyrus Fragment (maybe the book of the dead?) - 11 cm
15
days
08
hours
28
minutes
09
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Current bid
€ 2
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 900 - € 1,500
 | €2 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €1 |
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An ancient Egyptian wooden figure of Osiris, dating from the Late Period to the Ptolemaic Period (c. 664–30 BC), with an original papyrus fragment.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Finely carved wooden figure depicting the god Osiris in his characteristic mummiform representation. The deity wears the distinctive Atef crown with a uraeus and the traditional divine beard. His arms are crossed over the chest, originally holding the royal insignia, now only partially preserved due to age.
The figure is carved against a rectangular back pillar. The reverse contains a recessed compartment that originally housed a rolled papyrus. Remarkably, a fragment of this original papyrus has survived and accompanies the figure.
Wooden Osiris figures of this type were placed in tombs or dedicated as votive objects and played an important role in the cult of Osiris, the Egyptian god of resurrection and the afterlife. The inserted papyrus frequently contained religious texts or magical spells intended to protect the deceased and ensure rebirth in the afterlife. Surviving original papyrus fragments associated with such figures are comparatively uncommon and add significant historical interest to the object.
The surface displays a fine, age-related patina. Despite the expected signs of age, the carving remains well defined and preserves the original character of the figure.
Condition:
Age-related shrinkage cracks, minor losses, surface wear, and small chips throughout. The papyrus compartment on the reverse is open. An original papyrus fragment survives separately and is included with the figure. Overall in authentic ancient condition with an attractive aged patina.
Provenance:
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany. Acquired during the owners' extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. Documented in Germany by 1970 and subsequently retained in continuous family ownership. 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 supported by continuous family ownership, historical photographs, and accompanying biographical documentation.
Finely carved wooden figure depicting the god Osiris in his characteristic mummiform representation. The deity wears the distinctive Atef crown with a uraeus and the traditional divine beard. His arms are crossed over the chest, originally holding the royal insignia, now only partially preserved due to age.
The figure is carved against a rectangular back pillar. The reverse contains a recessed compartment that originally housed a rolled papyrus. Remarkably, a fragment of this original papyrus has survived and accompanies the figure.
Wooden Osiris figures of this type were placed in tombs or dedicated as votive objects and played an important role in the cult of Osiris, the Egyptian god of resurrection and the afterlife. The inserted papyrus frequently contained religious texts or magical spells intended to protect the deceased and ensure rebirth in the afterlife. Surviving original papyrus fragments associated with such figures are comparatively uncommon and add significant historical interest to the object.
The surface displays a fine, age-related patina. Despite the expected signs of age, the carving remains well defined and preserves the original character of the figure.
Condition:
Age-related shrinkage cracks, minor losses, surface wear, and small chips throughout. The papyrus compartment on the reverse is open. An original papyrus fragment survives separately and is included with the figure. Overall in authentic ancient condition with an attractive aged patina.
Provenance:
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany. Acquired during the owners' extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. Documented in Germany by 1970 and subsequently retained in continuous family ownership. 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 supported by continuous family ownership, historical photographs, and accompanying biographical documentation.
Details
Culture
Ancient Egypt, Late Period
Century/timeframe
Egypt, Late Period to Ptolemaic Period, ca. 664–30 BC
Name of object
Figure of Osiris with Original Papyrus Fragment (maybe the book of the dead?)
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Wood
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
11 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Width
3 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
Depth
4.5 cm
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.
