Lot #6: Ancient Egyptian Bronze Votive Statuette | Late Period Temple Offering | Circa 664–30 BCE

Historical Context & Origin Region: Ancient Egypt Material: Bronze Period: Late Period to Ptolemaic Period, circa 664–30 BCE Description This ancient Egyptian bronze statuette depicts a standing female deity, likely representing the goddess Neith, one of the oldest and most revered deities of the Egyptian pantheon. The figure stands upright in a traditional frontal pose upon an integral rectangular base, a common format used for small votive bronzes dedicated in temples and shrines throughout ancient Egypt. The figure displays stylized facial features, elongated proportions, and a simplified headdress consistent with Late Period Egyptian bronze casting traditions. The arms are positioned close to the body, suggesting the figure may once have held ritual objects or attributes now lost to time. Small bronze votive figures such as this were widely offered by worshippers to temples as devotional gifts seeking divine favor or protection. Many were dedicated in sanctuaries associated with the cults of powerful deities such as Neith, a primordial goddess connected with warfare, wisdom, and creation. The surface exhibits an attractive ancient green patina developed over centuries of burial and oxidation, enhancing both the visual character and authenticity of this evocative relic of ancient Egyptian religious practice. Features - Authentic ancient Egyptian bronze votive figure - Likely depicting the goddess Neith or a related female deity - Classic Egyptian frontal standing pose on integral base - Cast bronze construction with attractive aged patina - Fine example of Late Period Egyptian devotional sculpture Cultural Significance Neith was one of Egypt’s most ancient goddesses, worshipped for thousands of years as a deity of creation, war, and wisdom. Her principal cult center was located at Sais in the Nile Delta, where she was revered as a powerful protective and creative force. Bronze statuettes such as this were commonly placed in temples or dedicated by private individuals as votive offerings, forming part of a vast devotional tradition that connected worshippers with the divine world and the sacred rituals of Egyptian religion. Condition Ancient bronze with natural patination and surface wear consistent with age. Minor losses and casting irregularities typical of ancient votive figures. Overall stable with strong sculptural presence. Age (Approximate) 2,000–2,600 years old Provenance Purchased from Los Robles Gallery, Palo Alto, California, circa 1965, and formerly part of the Pebble Beach Collection. Subsequently held in a private collection in Missoula, Montana, USA. Acquired by the current owner in 2026. Dimensions: 1.50 x 1.13 x 4.13 Pickup category timeslot {A} Price Estimate: CAD 4000 - 6000 Ships from Toronto, ON. No local pickup. Buyer arranges shipping and insurance directly with seller after auction closes.