**First Time At Auction**

Egypt, Late Dynastic to Ptolemaic period, ca. 664 to 30 BCE. A regal crouching wooden Anubis guardian depicted in his natural jackal form. The sculpture sits in a perky but pensive position with raised ears, folded hind legs, and outstretched tail. Extensive remains of gesso and jet-black pigment are visible along each part of the body, with contrasting white eyes. Artists in ancient Egyptian times depicted examples of Anubis as a recumbent canine to show guardianship or attentiveness in homes, sacred sites, and tombs. Wild jackals are naturally attracted to human burial sites - bodies that were buried in shallow graves were easily dug up and often eaten by these canines. Despite their scavenging, Egyptians associated jackals with the deceased and regarded them as protectors and guides to the afterlife. Size: 15.5" L (39.4 cm)

Wooden representations of sacred animals and deities were often placed into Egyptian tombs belonging to high-status individuals. Similar figures were also made to grace furniture and other everyday objects which were sometimes placed into the grave as well. Anubis, based on the African golden jackal, is a god associated with mummification and the afterlife and is usually depicted as either a canine or a man with a canine head. Like many Egyptian deities, the role of Anubis changed over time. During the First Dynasty, he was a protector of graves and an embalmer. In the Middle Kingdom period, Osiris claimed Anubis' role as lord of the underworld, but Anubis continued to weigh the hearts of the dead against a feather to determine if they were deserving of eternal life.

Please note that this piece is a dropship item, meaning that it will be shipping from the consignor?s location. All information regarding condition, size, and metal content have been provided by the consignor.PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Provenance: Private West Hollywood, California, USA collection, acquired via descent; ex-private New York, USA collection, from a collection started in the 1960s, acquired in London

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#177330

Repaired, ears reattached, with some infill, areas of wear to the paint on the forehead, front paws, and small areas throughout. Some infill painting to the body. Overall good condition.