Ancient Egypt, Ptolemaic Bronze Situle de Pen-Iah - 125 mm

Magnificent situla decorated in high relief, cast bronze rich in colors (cuprite).

This ritual container used for the libation of water, milk or wine, with an elongated pear-shaped appearance and fitted with two suspension rings, is composed of two registers of scenes of a mythological nature, and a part bearing a hieroglyphic inscription mentioning the name of the person who commissioned the piece and that of his parents.

The upper part, bearing hieroglyphic inscriptions which translate as follows:

- "May Isis grant life, health, life and a long old age to Pen-Iah¹ son of Ir-Hepou the elder, born of
Ta-Sheryt-Ta-Shepet²."

- "Amon-Re-Kamoutef³."

¹ Pen-Iah is the sponsor of the situla.
² The signs being quite faded, the reading of the mother's name is not entirely certain.
³ Literally: Amun-Re, his mother's bull, ithyphallic form of Amun-Re.

On the first register is most likely the sponsor of the piece "Pen-Iah" paying homage to a theory of gods, facing him a large lotus flower is placed on a display.
Facing the display and leading the procession is the ithyphallic god Amun (Amenopet), who personifies the forces of life renewal. He is followed by the gods Horus (in his form as Harpocrates, Horus the child), Isis-Hathor, Nefertum, and Sekhmet. The latter three hold the sign of life in their right hands. Nefertum and Sekhmet both hold a scepter in the other hand (in the form of a papyrus for Sekhmet).

On the third register, a scene illustrating the birth of the sun god.
In the center, the child god on the lotus flower, framed by two cows wearing the solar disk and tall feathers. On the left side of this painting, three jackal-headed genies, and on the right side, three falcon-headed genies, the souls of Pe and Nekhen, worship the child god.

The lower part of the situla is decorated with a raised Nymphea caerulaea flower. The bottom of the situla ends in a growth reminiscent of the floral stem.

This remarkable situla is presented on a high-quality, removable metal base.


- Ancient Egypt, Ptolemaic period

- Dimensions: 125 x 45 x 46 mm (height with base: 146 mm)

- Dating: 305 - 30 BC

- Provenance: Private collection of Mr. B.J., Belgium.

- Literature: Egyptian Antiquities at the Royal Museum of Mariemont, (B.500) Pg. 206 to 209.

- Condition: Excellent condition, rich in color (cuprite), small internal repair (most likely antique) and a tiny little hole on the back of the jackal-headed genius (see photos).

Shipping: Secure and insured shipping


The room includes:
- A purchase invoice
- A certificate of authenticity
- A removable metal presentation base.
- An export license (only for countries outside the European Union).

Obtaining export licenses provided by the Belgian Cultural Heritage Directorate for countries outside the European Union can vary between 2 weeks and 2 months.
Important information: The seller guarantees that they are authorized to sell/export this lot.
The seller shall ensure that the necessary authorizations, such as an export license, are organized.