Ancient Egypt Pantheistic divinity amulet - EXTREMELY RARE masterpiece - 5 cm

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Ruth Garrido Vila
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila

Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.

Estimate  € 2,200 - € 2,500
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Bronze pantheistic divinity amulet dating from the Ptolemaic Period (332–30 BC), measuring 5 cm high, 1.3 cm wide and 3.1 cm deep, in excellent condition and coming from a Spanish private collection with an authenticity certificate.

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Description from the seller

Bronze amulet dating from the Ptolemaic Period (332–30 BC), a fascinating example of ancient Egyptian syncretic iconography. Representing pantheistic divinities, a composite being that integrates attributes of multiple gods, reflecting the evolution of Egyptian religious thought during a time of intense cultural exchanges with the Hellenistic world.

The figure measures 5 cm in height, 1.3 cm in width and 3.1 cm in depth and stands on an elongated base, indicating that it may have been mounted on a larger support or used as a pendant on a necklace or ritual belt.

The design of this divinity combines elements of several Egyptian deities:
- Jackal head, associated with the god Anubis, protector of the deceased and guide in the afterlife.
- Falcon necklace, which refers to Horus, the god of the sky and symbol of royalty and divine protection.
- Body of Bes, the dwarf deity protector of the home, fertility and childbirth, known for his benevolent character but also for his ferocity in combating evil forces.
- Two crocodiles under his feet, linked to Sobek, god of the Nile and of strength, suggesting dominion over these creatures and, by extension, over the chaos and dangers of the aquatic world.

This combination of divine features indicates that the amulet had a strong protective power, as it brings together in a single figure multiple aspects of Egyptian divinity to guarantee the safety of its bearer in different areas of life and in the afterlife.

The amulet is made of bronze, a common material in late Egyptian jewelry and ritual objects due to its resistance and ability to capture fine details through lost-wax casting. The greenish patina that covers the piece is a product of the natural oxidation process of the copper present in the alloy, which certifies its antiquity and authenticity.

Amulets were central to Egyptian culture, used both in everyday life and in funerary contexts. This particular amulet may have been used by priests, warriors or devotees to invoke the protection of a divinity that synthesized the attributes of several powerful deities. Its presence in tombs suggests that it also served as a defense against the dangers of the afterlife, ensuring safe passage to the realm of Osiris.

The amulet is in an excellent state of preservation, with an intact structure and details still perceptible despite the corrosion of the bronze.

This pantheistic amulet is an exceptional piece that illustrates the symbolic richness and fusion of beliefs in Ptolemaic Egypt. Its combination of divine elements suggests an object of great protective power, capable of granting security both in earthly life and in the afterlife. Its manufacture in bronze and its complex iconography make it a valuable testimony to the religious and cultural evolution of Hellenistic Egypt.

Acquired from a Spanish private collection, F.C.B in the 80s.
The piece includes an authenticity certificate.

The seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will ensure that any necessary permits are arranged; this process can take between 2 and 4 weeks.

IMPORTANT: Due to new laws on the export of archaeological pieces, we have decided to NO LONGER sell outside the European territory for the following countries: Switzerland & United States of America.

For destinations outside European territory: all our items will be shipped after obtaining a definitive EXPORT LICENSE from the Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between
4-8 weeks. According to Spanish legislation, items sent outside the European Union are subject to export taxes. The taxes will be added to the invoice at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed based on the final auction price, and the tax rate is not applied directly to the total value of the item to be exported, but rather, different percentages are applied to sections of it.
Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. / From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.

Please note that for far destinations (Asia, Middle East, etc.), there will be an additional cost for shipping.

Bronze amulet dating from the Ptolemaic Period (332–30 BC), a fascinating example of ancient Egyptian syncretic iconography. Representing pantheistic divinities, a composite being that integrates attributes of multiple gods, reflecting the evolution of Egyptian religious thought during a time of intense cultural exchanges with the Hellenistic world.

The figure measures 5 cm in height, 1.3 cm in width and 3.1 cm in depth and stands on an elongated base, indicating that it may have been mounted on a larger support or used as a pendant on a necklace or ritual belt.

The design of this divinity combines elements of several Egyptian deities:
- Jackal head, associated with the god Anubis, protector of the deceased and guide in the afterlife.
- Falcon necklace, which refers to Horus, the god of the sky and symbol of royalty and divine protection.
- Body of Bes, the dwarf deity protector of the home, fertility and childbirth, known for his benevolent character but also for his ferocity in combating evil forces.
- Two crocodiles under his feet, linked to Sobek, god of the Nile and of strength, suggesting dominion over these creatures and, by extension, over the chaos and dangers of the aquatic world.

This combination of divine features indicates that the amulet had a strong protective power, as it brings together in a single figure multiple aspects of Egyptian divinity to guarantee the safety of its bearer in different areas of life and in the afterlife.

The amulet is made of bronze, a common material in late Egyptian jewelry and ritual objects due to its resistance and ability to capture fine details through lost-wax casting. The greenish patina that covers the piece is a product of the natural oxidation process of the copper present in the alloy, which certifies its antiquity and authenticity.

Amulets were central to Egyptian culture, used both in everyday life and in funerary contexts. This particular amulet may have been used by priests, warriors or devotees to invoke the protection of a divinity that synthesized the attributes of several powerful deities. Its presence in tombs suggests that it also served as a defense against the dangers of the afterlife, ensuring safe passage to the realm of Osiris.

The amulet is in an excellent state of preservation, with an intact structure and details still perceptible despite the corrosion of the bronze.

This pantheistic amulet is an exceptional piece that illustrates the symbolic richness and fusion of beliefs in Ptolemaic Egypt. Its combination of divine elements suggests an object of great protective power, capable of granting security both in earthly life and in the afterlife. Its manufacture in bronze and its complex iconography make it a valuable testimony to the religious and cultural evolution of Hellenistic Egypt.

Acquired from a Spanish private collection, F.C.B in the 80s.
The piece includes an authenticity certificate.

The seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will ensure that any necessary permits are arranged; this process can take between 2 and 4 weeks.

IMPORTANT: Due to new laws on the export of archaeological pieces, we have decided to NO LONGER sell outside the European territory for the following countries: Switzerland & United States of America.

For destinations outside European territory: all our items will be shipped after obtaining a definitive EXPORT LICENSE from the Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between
4-8 weeks. According to Spanish legislation, items sent outside the European Union are subject to export taxes. The taxes will be added to the invoice at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed based on the final auction price, and the tax rate is not applied directly to the total value of the item to be exported, but rather, different percentages are applied to sections of it.
Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. / From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.

Please note that for far destinations (Asia, Middle East, etc.), there will be an additional cost for shipping.

Details

Culture
Ancient Egypt
Century/ Timeframe
Ptolemaic Period 332 - 30 B.C
Name of object
Pantheistic divinity amulet - EXTREMELY RARE masterpiece
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
1980
Country acquired from
Spain
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
5 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Width
1.3 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Spain
Depth
3.1 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
SpainVerified
346
Objects sold
100%
pro

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.

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