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AN EGYPTIAN ALABASTER HEAD OF SEKHMET, NEW KINGDOM, 1554-1080 B.C. | An Egyptian Alabaster Head of Sekhmet
Estimate
6,000 - 9,000 GBP
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Description
- 17cm. high; 6¾in.
the lion-headed goddess with powerfully carved features and radiating mane
Provenance
Christie's, London, (month not traced) 1961, lot 260(?);
where presumably acquired by Sir John Smith
where presumably acquired by Sir John Smith
Condition
As shown. Proper left side more worn than the other, especially around snout and above eyes. Ends of ears abraded. From the top of a furniture leg.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Sekhmet, goddess of war and protector of royalty, was initially described as the divine consort of Ptah, chief god of Memphis in Lower Egypt, later to be identified as the goddess Mut, who in turn was the consort of Amun, the chief god of Thebes in Upper Egypt. Similar statues of varying sizes adorned the great temple that Amenhotep III built in worship of Mut at Thebes. Some of these statues of the goddess still stand amongst the ruins of the complex, monumental reminders of the Theban people’s adoration of Amun and their desire to install the deity as the Egyptian chief of all gods.
Interestingly, New Kingdom Egyptians did not worship animals, but venerated them for a personified characteristic. In Sekhmet and Mut, the people saw the terrible power and might of the desert lioness, but also the beast’s protective and maternal nature.
Interestingly, New Kingdom Egyptians did not worship animals, but venerated them for a personified characteristic. In Sekhmet and Mut, the people saw the terrible power and might of the desert lioness, but also the beast’s protective and maternal nature.