An interesting, time worn, head of the Egyptian goddess Bastet.
Carved wood, gesso with worn painted finish, mounted on a later painted pine plinth.
Bastet was the goddess of protection, pleasure, and the bringer of good health. She had the head of a cat and a slender female body.
The discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamen by archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922, received worldwide press coverage and sparked a renewed public interest in ancient Egypt which, in turn, influenced fashion, jewellery and, indeed, the decor of the period.
This interesting artefact has the appearance of a grand tour souvenir of the time.
Egyptian, date unknown.
Measurements: H: 14” (35cm); W: 7” (18cm); D: 7.75” (19.5cm).