Site Loader
Rock Street, San Francisco
  • Current Language:
  • fr
  • Select Language:

This is the rating and price for Rare Miniature Egyptian Faience Statuette Of Maahes



Description : Classical Antiquities. Egypt, Late Period, ca. 712 to 30 BCE. An exceedingly rare miniature statuette of Maahes (also spelled Mahes, Miysis, Mysis), lion-god of war and protection and lord of the horizon, modeled from beautiful turquoise faience of striking blue-green hues. The lion-headed god stands striding with his left leg forward, wearing the shendyt kilt and tripartite wig, his hands clasped under his chin (perhaps devouring a captive). Size: 1.75 H (4.4 cm), 2.375 H (6 cm) In Egyptian mythology, lions were associated with royalty, and Maahes was regarded as the patron of the pharaoh, note Maahes' pharoahic stance (with the exception of the arms) in this example. Due to this, he was usually described as the son of Bast (who could assume the form of a lion and was a considered to be the patron of Lower Egypt) or the son of Sekhmet (who was traditionally depicted as a lioness and was a patron of Upper Egypt). His father was believed to be either Ptah or Ra (whoever was understood as the chief god at that time). Scholars seem to enjoy discussing the meaning of Maahes' name which literally translates as (one who can) see in front. Furthermore, the initial part of his name is also the first part of the word ma (meaning lion) as well as the verb maa (meaning to see), what's more it is spelled with the symbol of a sickle for the sound m which associates it with the word Ma´at (meaning truth or balance). Thus, another possible translation is True Before Her (referring to Ma´at). This said, Maahes was hardly ever referred to by name. Instead, he was most often described with descriptive phrases such as, The Lord of the Massacre, Wielder of the Knife, The Scarlet Lord (referring to the blood of his victims), and Lord of Slaughter. Despite these bloodcurdling epithets, he was not necessarily viewed as a force of evil, rather he punished all who violated the rules of Ma´at, and in this way fostered order and justice. Consequently, he was also known as Helper of the Wise Ones and the Avenger of Wrongs. Provenance: acquired at Bonham's London, October 2010 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #123476
Price: 0.00 USD It's free to register now to view!
Estimate (low-high) : 2000 USD-4000 USD It's free to register now to view!

About the lot N° 10
Title : Rare Miniature Egyptian Faience Statuette Of Maahes
Condition report : Loss to suspension loop behind the head.
Artemis Gallery, auctioneer It's free to register now to view!
Sale title : Exceptional Antiquities | Ethnographic Art
Sale date : 12 Oct 2017 It's free to register now to view!
Sale Reference : Live Sale

Interested in valuating work ? 

AfricartMarket Insights

Access exclusive information.Sign-up here for our newsletter and we’ll keep you updated. You can unsubscribe at any time.

 

We respect your privacy. No spam.