Egyptian Bronze Votive Coffin (for Mummified Reptile)

Egypt, Late Period, 30th Dynasty to early Ptolemaic Period, ca. 4th to 1st century BCE. A miniature leaded-bronze votive coffin for a mummified reptile- while the body has been long lost, the contents was clearly indicated by the lizard effigy. The hollow box has a rectangular form with a flat base, smooth sides, and an open end for inserting the dearly departed. The lizard in relief sits atop the flat face, as if basking in the sun, a connection Egyptians made between lizards and solar deities. Votive sarcophagi like this example were filled with the mummified remains of the animal represented on the top and offered to specific deities as gifts, and lizards are symbolic of the sun god Atum. Size: 2" L x 0.75" W x 0.8" H (5.1 cm x 1.9 cm x 2 cm)

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Moustaki collection, exported from Egypt in 1949

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#172109
Condition Report: Losses to both ends as shown and small perforation to side. Lizard effigy is intact and excellent. Dark patina throughout.