ostracon ancient art
catalogue

Limestone Mold for a Benu-Bird Plaque, Late Period, 664-332 BC

Rectangular mold for the confection of faience plaques of the Benu-bird or Phoenix.

The heron is depicted with a curled crest on the head. The legs are drawn up to the body and the feathers carefully indicated.

Incised keying lines on all short sides of the mold – probably to align the side panels for the cast.

The Benu was associated with the sun, with creation and rebirth. The Benu was thought to be a self-created being which had contributed to the making of the world.

The Greek historian Herodotus may have referred to the Benu as Phoenix.

For similar molds, cf. lots UC30143, UC34694 and UC30144 in the Petrie museum catalogue. For a faience plaque, cf. lot UC71146.

Fine condition. Edges of the mold chipped.

H. 13.2 cm (5.2 in), W. 13 cm (5.1 in)

Swiss private collection.

Sold 2200 USD

Literature: Petrie, William Matthew Flinders. Heliopolis, Kafr Ammar and Shurafa. Cf. molds pl.40?