Mould

Limestone figure-mould, square shaped and carved on one side in sunken relief with a benu-bird. Incised eye and wing details, and one long crest feather 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. Number in ink on top, beneath the bird, 4015; round sticker on the top, H.P. 509 (i.e., Wellcome's inventory number of objects purchased at the Hilton Price sale. Ex Frederick George Hilton Price collection, sold at Sotheby's, London, 12-20 July 1911 lot 252 (1 of 8): “A stone mould, with figure of the ‘Bennu’ bird of Heliopolis; and a pair of stone Moulds, with similar designs; from Bubastis; (3548, 4015)”. CONDITION NOTE (1998): Previous repair to one corner, chipped, pitted, surface dirt, labels adhered to surface.