Ancient Egypt bronze double lizard sarcophagus - 2.5 cm

This amazing and rare lizard sarcophagus is made of bronze and belongs to Ancient Egypt, specifically to the Late Period (722 - 332 BC), a period characterized by an intense production of votive and ritual objects for temples and popular religious practices. The piece exhibits excellent conservation, with a greenish patina characteristic of ancient bronze, which reinforces its authenticity and antiquity.

In the Egyptian context, zoomorphic sarcophagi were used to contain mummies of small sacred animals, which were offered as vows to the gods or placed in tombs as protective amulets. In this case, it is a sarcophagus for lizards, animals associated in Egyptian mythology with the god Sobek, a crocodile deity related to the Nile, fertility, and protection. These animals were also believed to possess apotropaic powers, meaning they could ward off evil and protect the deceased on their journey to the afterlife.

The sarcophagus has a rectangular shape with an incised relief on the top, where two elongated figures representing lizards in bas-relief can be distinguished, sculpted in a schematic but recognizable manner, following the Egyptian style of linear and simplified representation. The parallel arrangement of the lizards suggests ritual symmetry, evoking a symbolism of duality and protection. The lower part of the object is hollow, indicating its use as a container, possibly for mummified remains or some symbolic element related to the cult of Sobek or protective funerary practices.

The use of bronze in this piece not only adds durability but also confers a sacred character, since metal objects were considered eternal and incorruptible by the Egyptians, making them especially suitable for ritual purposes. The green patina, a product of the oxidation of the copper present in the bronze, reinforces its authenticity and suggests a long exposure to environmental conditions that have contributed to its preservation.

During the Late Period, the practice of mummifying small animals and placing them in bronze sarcophagi became common, reflecting the popular devotion to zoomorphic deities. These objects were deposited in sacred necropolises as votive offerings or as funerary accompaniments to guarantee protection and rebirth in the afterlife. The choice of the lizard not only alludes to its connection with Sobek but also to its symbolism of regeneration, since these reptiles were observed renewing their skin, which was associated with the cycle of life and death.

Similar examples have been found in archaeological sites such as Thebes and Fayum, where Sobek was venerated as the god of the Nile and protector of agricultural fertility. These zoomorphic sarcophagi were placed in animal temples or catacombs, often alongside other crocodile or fish sarcophagi, emphasizing the importance of the Nile ecosystem in Egyptian religion.

The natural patina, uniform wear, and modeling technique are consistent with Late Period Egyptian style and production.

In short, this lizard sarcophagus is an exceptional piece for both its artistic quality and its profound religious symbolism. Not only does it represent Late Period Egyptian funerary art, but it also offers a glimpse into devotional practices and the worldview regarding protection and rebirth in the afterlife. Its excellent state of preservation and apparent authenticity make it a valuable example of Egyptian votive art.

Acquired from a Spanish private collection, F.C.B in the 70s.
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.