Limestone figure-mould, square shaped and carved on one side in sunken relief with a benu-bird. Incised eye and wing details, and two long crest feathers flowing from the back of the head. The benu-bird was a symbol of creation and rebirth and for these reasons was associated with the gods Atum, Ra and Osiris. In spells of the Book of the Dead numbers 29B and 30B the benu-bird is called the 'soul of Ra’. Moulds like this may have been used in the manufacture of glass or faience amulets or decorative inlays. Accompanying the object is a plaster impressions taken from the mould (non-accessioned items).

Joseph Sams Collection no. 176 "Moulds being the form very deeply carved or sunk in stone, of several of the sacred birds so that the same may be cast when made of bronze etc".

CONDITION NOTE (1998): Chipped, discoloured, surface dirt.

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Limestone figure-mould, square shaped and carved on one side in sunken relief with a benu-bird. Incised eye and wing details, and two long crest feathers flowing from the back of the head. The benu-bird was a symbol of creation and rebirth and for these reasons was associated with the gods Atum, Ra and Osiris. In spells of the Book of the Dead numbers 29B and 30B the benu-bird is called the 'soul of Ra’. Moulds like this may have been used in the manufacture of glass or faience amulets or decorative inlays. Accompanying the object is a plaster impressions taken from the mould (non-accessioned items). Joseph Sams Collection no. 176 "Moulds being the form very deeply carved or sunk in stone, of several of the sacred birds so that the same may be cast when made of bronze etc". CONDITION NOTE (1998): Chipped, discoloured, surface dirt.

Mould

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