Egyptian Wooden Polychrome Double Ba-Bird, c. 1000-800 B.C.

(Wooden Double Ba-Bird)

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Item No.
36.37620
Culture
Egypt, c. 1000-800 B.C. 
Item Details.
Double Ba-bird represented as birds with human heads and wearing a black wig. Originally may have been attached to the top of a wooden sepulchral tablet or shrine, or perhaps the corners of a wooden outer box enclosing the coffin. The faces, which represent that of the deceased, are a dark yellow with details in black. The deep-cut bodies have nicely decorated wings with black, yellow and blue vertical lines on a red background simulating feathers. Necklaces to the front in blue, black and yellow, and red frontal bodies. Feet now missing. Exquisite.

The Egyptians believed that individuals were made up of five parts: the ba, the ka, the name, the shadow and the physical body. According to Zabkar there is no exact equivalent of the term ba in English. It is similar to our idea of personality but also referred to power. However, the ba only became manifest after the person had died. It had the power to travel about freely. Gods could also be manifest as baw (bas). The ba was often shown as a bird, whose duty was to reunite the soul with the body. The ba was so closely linked with the physical body that it needed food and drink.

Provenance: London private collection, acquired prior to 2000.

Display stand included

Size
9.9 cm H - 3 7/8 inches
Material
Wood 
Condition
Feet missing, otherwise intact 
Categories
Egypt
Price.
US$ 2200
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