Egyptian Basalt Bassinophore Fragments for the Customs Official Wahibre, son of Paeftchawy

拍品描述

Late Period, 26th Dynasty, Reign of Amasis, circa 570-525 B.C. Modelled in the round kneeling on an integral base and wearing a broad rounded wig, holding a fragmentary offering basin before him; dorsal pillar engraved with a single vertical column of hieroglyphs, translating: 'The Count, Overseer of the Entrance to the Hill Countries, Chief Supervisor of the Shrines [of Neith], Wahibre, son of Paeftchawy'; upper rim of the basin further inscribed with a ritual formula intended to be recited during the presentation of its contents. Comparable examples include a block statue in the Louvre (see Louvre A 91) and a kneeling naophorous figure in the British Museum (see British Museum EA 111); for a related, earlier libation basin combining a kneeling figure on one side and a Hathor head on the other, see the New Kingdom example at the Glencairn Museum in the Glencairn's Bird Room. 107.7 kg total, figure: 40 cm high, fragments: 47-58 cm wide including stand (15 3/4, 18 1/2 - 22 7/8 in.). [3] [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website] For the two basalt sections: UK private collection, formed 1970s-1990s. Princely collection, until 2014; thence to a private foundation. Acquired by the current owner from Rupert Wace, London, UK. For the kneeling basalt figure: European private collection, since the mid-19th century. Sold at Christie’s, New York, 8 June 2001, no.114. Sold at Drouot-Richelieu, Paris (Boisgirard), 14 February 2005, no.313. European private collection, acquired at the above sale; thence by descent to the previous owners. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13193-250115. The figure on this vessel represents the customs official Wahibre, son of Paeftchawy, a well-attested individual known from at least fourteen other sculptures. Additional evidence for Wahibre’s identity is provided by a fragment of his mummiform sarcophagus, found at el-Hagar, within the territory of his native city of Sais. The titles inscribed on his surviving monuments reflect a career that combined priestly responsibilities with significant administrative and military authority. In southern Egypt, Wahibre served as chief customs officer and commanded a contingent of foreign troops tasked with protecting the frontier, probably Greek mercenaries from Caria. TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists. See our website for more information.

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