Auction announcements
20th Jan 2015Lot 108: The acrylic base with pin is missing.

Wood painted in black and brown
Probably Egypt, Middle Kingdom to the beginning of the Second Intermediate Period, 12th to 14th Dynasty
Figure of a man of a model scene as funerary offering
Partially conserved
Dimensions: 14.2 x 4 x 1.5 cm (height x width x depth)
Provenance: Private Collection Bruno Wertz
Scientific research: Dr. Jan Moje, Free University of Berlin (see references below)
Similar objects can be found at the Egyptian Museum in Turinfor example
Parallels: A.M.J. Tooley, Egyptian models and scenes, Princes Risborough 1995 (Shire-Egyptology 22), S. Heimann, S. (Red.), Ägyptens Schätze entdecken. Meisterwerke aus dem Ägyptischen Museum in Turin. Anlässlich der Ausstellung vom 11. März bis 2. September 2012 im Historischen Museum der Pfalz Speyer, München 2012

The wooden figure originates probably from the time of the Middle Kingdom of ancient Egypt to the beginning of the Second Intermediate Period, the 12th to the 14th Dynasty (1976-1648/45 BCE). The wooden figure used to be part of a model, which was presented as a funerary offering to the grave of a deceased to accompany him or her in the life after death. Among the models were bakers, brewers, butchers and weavers, to take care of the continuing nourishment of the deceased, as well as domestic scenes, sacrificial processions and boats with crews. The present wooden figure remains only partly preserved. The right arm is missing, but the stick to plug the arm into the body is retained. In the fist of the surviving arm is a whole to insert an object. The wood was subsequently coated in white colour and in the face and the body embellished with dark red painting. A horizontal line, drawing the clothing of the figure, an apron, is still visible. Likely surviving are two white squint running lines on the back, implying the wrapped apron. Furthermore, the figure has got quite a long neck. The wig reaches only to the nape, and it is formed without deepening. The black painting of the wig is well preserved. The eyes, including the pupils, were also painted black. The mouth is displayed in carved lines. The nose is carved into the form.

The wood statuette is only partially preserved. The wood is starting to weather. Some repulsions and scratches are visible on the surface of the wood. The right arm and lower body are missing. The left arm is surviving, and it can be inserted into the body with a wooden stick. The body is pasted. The head was cracked and has recently been assessed anew. The crack line is still distinctly visible. Also remains of the glue are visible, especially on the front side of the body. The dimensions of the figure mount up to 14.2 x 4 x 1.5 cm (height x width x depth).

Auctionata would like to express its deep gratitude to Dr. Jan Moje for the scientific preparation of the collection and the research for the text. We do declare explicitly that the pricing of the objects of this auction does not derive from Dr. Jan Moje. Please do not hesitate to contact Auctionata for further background research information about the objects, especially the deciphermentof hieroglyphics.

Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.