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An Egyptian Bronze Menat - Deities Shu and Tefnut

Currency:USD Category:Antiquities / Egyptian Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,000.00 USD
An Egyptian Bronze Menat - Deities Shu and Tefnut

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Auction Date:2012 Jul 13 @ 10:00 (UTC-6 : CST/MDT)
Location:P.O. Box 714, Erie, Colorado, 80516, United States
Egypt, dating between 664 and 380 BC (Late Period). In rituals for the gods, special instruments were used by priests / priestesses to invoke the deities or to perform rituals before them. One of the most important instruments was the Menat, a counterweight that held elaborate beaded collars in place, used also as a noise-making ritual instrument by rattling the collar's beads. The representation of a broad collar called an Usekh (also called an Aegis, originally a Greek term for "shield") surmounted with the head of a deity functioned as a protective symbol. This combination of the Menat and Usekh is surmounted by the heads of the divine couple Shu (god of the air) and Tefnut (goddess of moisture and corrosive air). They were the first emanations of the primeval god Atum, when he created the world. Suspension loop on back. 4-7/8"H x 1-3/4"W, intact with remains of ancient fabric still adhering to front. Custom stand.

Provenance: Ex-Gustave Jéquier collection.

This lot will be sold not subject to a reserve. The starting price is the price at which the item can sell.