Description:

Ancient Egypt, Late Period, ca. 712 to 300 BCE. A charming cast bronze shrew - bigger than the actual animal it is based upon - that was a common adornment of a sarcophagus. The adult Egyptian pygmy shrew is one of the smallest mammals on earth, weighing just 7 grams, but they are voracious eaters. In fact, the ancient Egyptian word for the animal was "voracious" and they were associated with the solar deity. Thousands of mummified shrews, given as offerings to try to intercede with the gods, have been found underneath Egyptian temples. Size: 3.1" W x 1" H (7.9 cm x 2.5 cm); 1.45" H (3.7 cm) on included custom stand.

See a very similar example at the Metropolitan Museum of Art: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/544116

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#136156

  • Condition: End of tail is lost. Otherwise in nice condition, with mottled deep blue-green patina. Mounted on a modern marble stand.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

September 13, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000