Late Period, 664-332 BC. A large glazed composition plaque of Ra Horakhty in the form of a hawk with sun-disc and uraeus to the top of the head, standing on the hieroglyph 'neb'; painted details to the eye, uraeus, edge of wing, legs and tail. 58 grams, 12cm (4 3/4"). Property of a South African collector; acquired in the UK between 1988-1990. Ra was the Egyptian sun god who was also often referred to as Re-Horakhty, meaning 'Ra is Horus of the Horizon', referring to the god's character. The early Egyptians believed that he created the world, and the rising sun was, for them, the symbol of creation. The daily cycle, as the sun rose, then set only to rise again the next morning, symbolised renewal and so Ra was seen as the paramount force of creation and master of life. His closest ally is Ma'at, the embodiment of order and truth. [No Reserve]

Very fine condition.