60 - A FINE AND UNUSUAL GREEN FAIENCE FRAGMENT OF THOTH AS A MUMMIFORM BABOON, LATE PERIOD, DYNASTIES XXVI-XXVII

A FINE AND UNUSUAL GREEN FAIENCE FRAGMENT OF THOTH AS A MUMMIFORM BABOON, LATE PERIOD, DYNASTIES XXVI-XXVII Expert’s note: Distinguished by its unusual mummiform conception, the present fragment is closely related to the enigmatic group conventionally known as shebet offerings, in which a mummiform baboon appears in association with a basket and back pillar. The precise function of these objects remains debated; the Metropolitan Museum of Art notes that the baboon may allude to Thoth, with examples recorded from Saqqara near the ibis cemeteries as well as from Hermopolis, one of the principal cult centers of the god (see Metropolitan Museum of Art, object number 2021.41.129) (fig.1). Egypt, c. 664 - 404 BC. Finely molded as the head of a mummiform baboon, an animal manifestation of the god Thoth, backed by a pillar. The projecting muzzle is framed by a densely striated mane, with the lappets of a striated wig emerging beneath and falling over the shoulders. The face is finely modeled with deeply set eyes, a broad muzzle, and incised fur details. Provenance: The private collection of Dr. Hans Halter, Switzerland, before 1966. In the EU since 2006. Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Old wear, obvious losses, manufacturing irregularities, scattered chips—particularly to the forehead, eyes, and tip of the nose. Remnants of pigment and adhesive to the bottom from previous mounting. Austrian Export License: Ausfuhr-Bestätigung gemäß §18 Abs: 1 Denkmalschutzgesetz (DMSG), reference GZ 2025-0.728.241, dated 23 September 2025, has been granted by the Federal Monuments Authority of Austria (Bundesdenkmalamt). A copy of this document accompanies the lot. Weight: 41 g (excl. stand), 100 g (incl. stand) Dimensions: Height 4.5 cm (excl. stand), 10.5 cm (incl. stand) With an associated wooden stand. (2) Literature comparison: Compare a closely related light green faience figure of a crouching baboon enveloped in a shroud, wearing a broad collar and tripartite wig, dated to the Late Period, 10.2 cm high, in the Musée du Louvre, Paris, France, inventory number N 4105, formerly AF 2323. Compare a closely related pale blue faience 'Figure of baboon on a basket and with a pillar (shebet offering)', Late Period, dated to 664-332 BC, 11.8 cm high, possibly from Saqqara, Egypt, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, United States, object number 10.176.45. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Sotheby’s London, United Kingdom, 6 December 2022, lot 11 Price: GBP 15,120 or approx. EUR 20,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: An Egyptian green faience figure of a baboon, Dynasty XXVI-XXX, 664-342 BC Expert remark: Compare the closely related green faience, striated tripartite wig emerging from beneath the mane, enveloping cloak, finely modeled facial features, and conception of the baboon sacred to Thoth seated before a pillar. Note the larger size (6.7 cm) and complete state of preservation.