**First Time At Auction**

Egypt, Late Dynastic period, 25th to 26th Dynasty, ca. 712 to 525 BCE. A remarkable bronze figure of the mummiform Osiris, god of the Underworld. This would likely have been a votive figure, perhaps made to be kept in a wealthy home and prayed to, deposited in a temple as an offering, or, most likely, kept for ritual with other metallic objects by priests. He wears a tall crown, symbolic of a pharaoh's rule over Upper Egypt, with a frontal uraeus. In his hands, which he holds close together at his chest, he holds a flagellum and a short-handled heka scepter - both symbols of authority and kingship, showing Osiris's close connection with the pharaoh and his role as Ruler of the Dead. His round face displays almond eyes, large ears, and thick lips below a petite nose, with a pleated false beard strapped to his chin. Incised decoration gives further detail to his tools, his crown, and his beard as a tang extends below his feet. Size: 1.2" W x 4.6" H (3 cm x 11.7 cm); 5.1" H (13 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hanover, New Hampshire, USA collection, acquired in the 1950s from an estate sale auction

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#184842

Chips, nicks, and abrasions as shown, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, mostly intact and excellent with rich patina and earthen encrustations in areas.