Egypt, Late Dynastic to Roman Period, ca. 664 BCE to 2nd century CE. A lovely mold-formed head of a mane-less male lion formed from pale-blue faience. The zoomorphic head is composed of perky ears, a rounded brow with a top crest, puffy cheeks, button-shaped eyes within recessed sockets, a flush triangular nose, and a large mouth with grooved lips and whiskers. The lion is an important and powerful symbol in ancient Egypt, representing power, lethality, and supremacy within the food chain; however, feline deities were more often depicted as female lionesses rather than male lions. Lions in Roman mythology were more closely related to the myth of Hercules who, during the first of his twelve labors, slayed the Nemean Lion with his bare hands. Custom felt-lined display frame included. Size (lion): 2.5" W x 2.75" H (6.4 cm x 7 cm); size (frame): 8.375" W x 9.125" H (21.3 cm x 23.2 cm). This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase. Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #136171