Ancient Egypt, New Kingdom Grandiorite Fragment a statue of the Goddess Sekhmet, showing part of a breast, wig and jewelled collar - 27.5×17×7.5 cm

A rare and important fragment of a statue of the lioness goddess Sekmet, measuring 27. 5cm in height and weighing 3308g, carved from black grandiorite, a hard stone similar to granite. From the reign of Amenhotep III (1388-1351 BC) who is said to have commissioned 720 larger than life statues of Sekhmet and have them placed in various locations in the kingdom to be worshiped by priests in order to cure his various ailments. Amenhotep presided over the period in Egyptian history which marked the pinnacle of its wealth, international recognition and artistic achievement. The fragment comes from the lower left side of Sekhmet's hairpiece, above the left breast adorned with carved chrysanthemum decoration within square reserve, adjacent to broad, bejeweled neck piece. Dates from circa 1590 to 1532 BC. A very similar fragment is catalogued in the collection of the World Museum in Liverpool. Acquired by the present owner (actually rather found, and was allowed to keep) in the village of Kinnesswood, Scotland, in circa 1975 from the garden of a neighbour where it lay as an ornament among other rocks on a pebble border surrounding the house. The cottage had in the past been inhabited by an amateur archeologist in the late 19th century. Condition: Good, surface wear, dirt, chips where the piece was separated from the statue. This lot will be carefully packaged and sent by registered and insured mail. The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.