Egypt, Late Period, 715 to 30 BCE. A statue of Onuris (also Anhur, Onouris, An-Her, Anhuret, Han-Her, inhert) - the Egyptian god of war worshipped in the Nile Delta, presented standing with the left leg advanced, the right arm bent at the elbow and raised, perhaps depicted in the act of slaying an enemy or animal, or holding a rope to capture his prey. Onurus is bearded and dons a four-feathered plumed headdress and a long kilt. The sculptor of this statue went to great lengths to delineate marvelous details - incised feathers on his headdress, a striated pattern on his kilt, a neatly manicured coiffure with rows of curls, and a serious visage comprised of large, generously lidded almond-shaped eyes, broad brows, an aquiline nose, a closed mouth, and a pointed chin adorned by a plaited beard. Size: 1.55" W x 5.1" H (3.9 cm x 13 cm); 6" H (15.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Known as Slayer of Enemies, Onuris was also the patron of the army as well as the personification of elite royal warriors. His cult was centered in Abydos in Upper Egypt, in the city of Thinis. The ancient Egyptians held festivals in his honor where staged mock battles were the main event. Given the martial associations, Onuris was also popular with the Romans. In fact, Emperor Tiberius elected to have himself rendered on a column shaft in the temple of Kom Ombo wearing Onuris' plumed crown. Onuris' name also means Sky Bearer, and his feathered headdress alludes to the sky world.

Published: J. Eisenberg, The Age of Cleopatra, 1988, no. 41. On loan to Picker Art Gallery, Colgate University, New York, USA and Fitchburg Art Museum, Massachusetts, USA from 1990 to 2016.

A Third Intermediate period bronze statue of Onuris sold at Christie's London (6 December 2016 - Sale 14490 - Lot 141) for GBP 25,000.

Provenance: ex-private D.K. collection, Redford, Massachusetts, USA, acquired from Royal Athena in June 1989. On loan to Picker Art Gallery, Colgate University, New York, USA and Fitchburg Art Museum, Massachusetts, USA from 1990 to 2016.

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#156865

Plinth beneath figure is adhered to display stand and cannot be removed. Repairs to feet and bottom of skirt, with light in-fill material along ankles, and resurfacing with overpainting along new material and break lines. Losses to implement held in right hand as well as left arm at middle of bicep as shown. Abrasions and light softening to some finer details, with smooth encrustations along legs, skirt, body, head, and headdress, and minor indentations to periphery of plinth. Great preservation to details on skirt, head, and headdress as well as wonderful mottled patina throughout.