DANIA BEACH, FLA. — An Egyptian bronze and wood ibis on stand, dating to the Third Intermediate to Late Dynastic Period, circa 1070-332 BCE, sold at its high estimate for $15,000, including buyer’s premium, in Akiba Galleries’ September 8 auction, Collection of Mark Walberg: World Treasures, the second offering of the Walberg collection. The ibis is considered a sacred bird, and this carved wooden example was of the style found in the tombs of the scribes. The bird is connected with the deity Djehuty, or Thoth, who was the god of knowledge in the Egyptian pantheon. This ibis was depicted seated with a curving neck and long bill. The body was carved from wood and covered in gesso, a plaster-like material that would have been white but gained a rich patina over time. More results from the sale will appear in an upcoming issue.
