Egyptian magical cippus depicting Horus standing on crocodiles

E34

£700.00

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A black steatite cippus (magical stela) depicting the god Horus standing on two crocodiles and surmounted by a head of Bes. Horus holds a pair of rearing snakes in each hand as well as two scorpions, a lion and a caprid. To the right of the Bes head is an incised Eye of Horus and a faintly incised scorpion figure below. The back of the stela is extensively worn from use as a grinding palette and a hole has formed through the centre obliterating an inscription of which traces can be seen nearer the top.

Cippi such as this were created to protect an individual or area from the perils of wild animals. The god Horus is shown subduing these animals by trampling or holding them (the iconography is also seen in designs on Mesopotamian seals and sculpture). As the design nearly always incorporates the god standing upon two counter-facing crocodiles, these sculptures are also known as “Horus on the Crocodiles” stela.

The extensive use as a palette and the perhaps intentional de-capitation of the figure of Horus may suggest a further ceremonial or mystical significance beyond the function of the stela as an object of protection.

Culture
Egypt, Ptolemaic to Roman period, 3rd Century BC to c. 1st Century AD

Size
11.3 x 7.7 cms

Condition
Ancient losses as seen in the photographs

Provenance
Ex. deceased estate, Birmingham, Midlands, UK; acquired late 20th Century from older collections

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