Ancient Egyptian Terracotta Egyptian Hellenistic Terracotta Figure of Harpocrates on Horseback - 14 cm
14
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€ 1
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 450 - € 550
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This ancient Egyptian Hellenistic terracotta figure of Harpocrates on horseback dates from the 3rd century BC to the 2nd century AD and measures 14 × 8.5 × 3 cm.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Small ancient Egyptian amulet figure depicting the goddess Taweret (Greek: Thoeris) standing upright in her characteristic hippopotamus form. The figure displays the typical compact body and powerful proportions associated with this protective deity.
Taweret, whose name means "The Great One," was one of the most important household deities in ancient Egypt. She was revered as the goddess of childbirth, fertility, motherhood, and the protection of women and children. Amulets and small figures of Taweret were commonly kept in homes or carried as personal protective talismans to safeguard pregnancy, childbirth, and family life.
This example retains its characteristic form and represents a fine example of a popular domestic cult object from the Late Period.
Condition: Good condition overall, with age-related wear and minor chips consistent with age. Otherwise intact.
Provenance
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany.
Acquired during the collectors’ extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection is documented in Germany by 1970 through historical photographs of the family residence and subsequently remained in continuous family ownership.
The objects were acquired privately during the collectors’ travels. As was customary for private purchases made at local markets during the 1950s and 1960s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested.
Historical photographs and biographical documentation relating to the Dammann Collection are available and support the long-standing provenance of the collection.
Small ancient Egyptian amulet figure depicting the goddess Taweret (Greek: Thoeris) standing upright in her characteristic hippopotamus form. The figure displays the typical compact body and powerful proportions associated with this protective deity.
Taweret, whose name means "The Great One," was one of the most important household deities in ancient Egypt. She was revered as the goddess of childbirth, fertility, motherhood, and the protection of women and children. Amulets and small figures of Taweret were commonly kept in homes or carried as personal protective talismans to safeguard pregnancy, childbirth, and family life.
This example retains its characteristic form and represents a fine example of a popular domestic cult object from the Late Period.
Condition: Good condition overall, with age-related wear and minor chips consistent with age. Otherwise intact.
Provenance
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany.
Acquired during the collectors’ extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection is documented in Germany by 1970 through historical photographs of the family residence and subsequently remained in continuous family ownership.
The objects were acquired privately during the collectors’ travels. As was customary for private purchases made at local markets during the 1950s and 1960s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested.
Historical photographs and biographical documentation relating to the Dammann Collection are available and support the long-standing provenance of the collection.
Details
Culture
Ancient Egyptian
Century/timeframe
3rd century BC – 2nd century AD
Name of object
Egyptian Hellenistic Terracotta Figure of Harpocrates on Horseback
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
14 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Width
8.5 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
Depth
3 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
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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.
