Ira and Larry Goldberg Auctioneers
Auction 98 6-7 Jun 2017
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Egyptian Faience Enthroned Lion Goddess Amulet. Third Intermediate Period, Circa 1090-675 BC. This lion goddess, Sekhmet, sits on a throne with open work sides showing Nehebka and a uraeus. She has the head of a lioness with lappet wig and the body of a woman, her svelte figure accented by a form-fitting sheath dress. In one hand she holds a large sistrum. A sizeable amulet designed to be worn as a pendant. Intact and perfect, with overall green glaze and details highlighted with splashes of black. A choice example of this sought after amulet type. Height: 2-7/16".
Carol Andrews notes in her Amulets of Ancient Egypt, that this iconographic type can represent any number of goddesses, making it difficult to definitively assign a specific name to it. The presence of the sistrum may link it to older representations of Bastet, the cat goddess, and yet "…identical figures are identified as Sekhmet, the fierce goddess of the Memphite area, who symbolized the burning heat of the sun and, as the sun-god's vengeful eye, destroyed his enemies and brought plague and pestilence."Andrews illustrates two similar examples in figure 30, a & d. Estimate Value $1,500 - 2,000
Ex Goldberg's Manuscripts and Collectibles Auction of April 30, 2005;.
Carol Andrews notes in her Amulets of Ancient Egypt, that this iconographic type can represent any number of goddesses, making it difficult to definitively assign a specific name to it. The presence of the sistrum may link it to older representations of Bastet, the cat goddess, and yet "…identical figures are identified as Sekhmet, the fierce goddess of the Memphite area, who symbolized the burning heat of the sun and, as the sun-god's vengeful eye, destroyed his enemies and brought plague and pestilence."Andrews illustrates two similar examples in figure 30, a & d. Estimate Value $1,500 - 2,000
Ex Goldberg's Manuscripts and Collectibles Auction of April 30, 2005;.