Back of the Head Section of a Wooden Sarcophagus Lid

Culture: Egyptian

Period: Late Period, 664-332 B.C.

Material: Wood

Dimensions: 49.5 cm high

Price: 8 000 Euro

Ref: 1619

Provenance: From the estate of the German collector Eberhard von Gloeden (1941-2025).

Condition: The colors are exceptionally well preserved. A vertical break, stabilised by the mounting. Overall, a large and impressive sarcophagus fragment.

Description: Wonderfully painted wooden panel in vibrant colors, which decorated the back of the head section of a sarcophagus. The polychrome depiction shows a falcon facing right, perched on a standard with a semicircular top. It wears a double crown with ram’s horns. In front of it is an ostrich feather of the goddess Maat, which underscores the panel’s apotropaic function and protects the mummy’s sensitive head area. Here, as Horus of the West (“Horus-Imenty”), the falcon marks the entrance to the realm of the dead and acts as guardian of the deceased and defender of the soul against the hostile forces of the underworld. At the same time, as the son of Horus, he ensures the life-giving power necessary for rebirth. The semicircular head section is framed by red and black strands of a wig. See for the type, the head section of Hatitemhat’s sarcophagus in the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, as well as that of Pa-ju-(n)-her in the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, with inventory number INV 9080. With pigment analysis dated 10 April 2026. Mounted.