Ancient Egyptian Carved Wood and Polychromed Hand from a 'Ka' Statue or Funerary Figure (1069 BC to 747 BC Egypt)

Wood and Polychrome

Provenance: Ex Ballard collection, Colchester, Essex
Acquired in Egypt between 1890 – 1920

Funerary statues were regarded as images of the 'Ka' of the deceased, and sometimes these figures incorporated the Ka symbol of two outstretched arms and hands that could magically ward off the forces of evil. Offering tables set up before the false doors of tombs were often decorated with this Ka sign. Offerings of food and drink were made and the Egyptians believed that the Ka did not physically eat them, but simply assimilated their life preserving force. In giving food or drink to one another in normal daily life the ancient Egyptians would pronounce 'for your ka' in acknowledgement of this life giving force.

An Ancient Egyptian Carved Wood and Polychromed Hand from a 'Ka' Statue or Funerary Figure
Traces of black painted Hieroglyphs remain to the back of the hand
Third Intermediate period, 1069 – 747 BC

Size: 18cm long, 8cm wide – 7 ins long, 3¼ ins wide