Ancient Egyptian Stone Fish Late Period, ca. 664-332 BC A remarkable dark stone carving of a fish with an elongated body tapering towards a broad, fan-shaped tail. The head has a large drilled eye, an open mouth and engraved gill markings. Incised lines and short diagonal strokes represent the scales and fins, with further linear decoration extending along the tail. Fish held varied religious and symbolic meanings in ancient Egypt, particularly in relation to fertility, regeneration and the life-giving waters of the Nile. The Nile tilapia was especially associated with rebirth, partly because of its distinctive habit of protecting its young in its mouth, a behaviour that suggested the emergence of new life. Representations of fish consequently appeared in amulets, jewellery and funerary objects. During the New Kingdom, tilapia were sometimes depicted alongside lotus flowers, another important symbol of regeneration and renewed life. Egyptian attitudes towards fish were not uniform, however: certain species were considered sacred in particular religious centres, and their consumption could be subject to local restrictions. Size: 7cm x 3cm x 1cm Provenance: Private European Collection; formerly acquired from old UK and European collection formed since the 1970s. COMBINED SHIPPING We offer combined shipping only for items purchased in the same auction. You need to pay for these together; otherwise, the system will not combine shipping. We don't combine and refund shipping afterwards. SHIPPING WITHIN THE EU ONLY! We ship exclusively to addresses within the European Union. Please ensure that you can provide an EU delivery address before bidding.