the jackal-headed god wearing a smooth wig, and with long erect ears and finely carved eye with long contoured eyebrow and cosmetic line, the muzzle carved separately, a fragmentary tenon below.

Simon Ohan Simonian collection, acquired in the early 1970s
Mr. Thommen, Swiss art market, 1970s

This lot is accompanied by a copy of the Egyptian Export License dated December 12th, 1970

Front as shown. Note missing tips of ears and chip at base of neck. Back chipped all along nape of neck and lower half of muzzle. Isolated chip at base of neck in back. Remains of a wood tenon inside a mortise visible on underside. Various minor nicks, abrasions, and scratches overall.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

In this example, the independently carved muzzle pegged into position may represent the scarcity of wood in ancient times as suggested by Taylor (see reference below) or as an alternative explanation, it may represent the ancient artist’s attempt to match wood grain flow with the contour of the sculpture. It is also plausible that this "inlay" may actually be part of an openwork backing or siding design used in furniture of the period. See T.G.H. James, Tutankhamun, Cairo, 2000, pp. 296-297.

For other examples of Anubis with separately carved muzzle cf. N.C. Strudwick and J.H.Taylor, Mummies, Death and Life in Ancient Egypt, Treasures from the British Museum, The Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, Santa Ana, California, 205, pp. 18-19, and R. Germer, Mummies, Life After Death in Ancient Egypt, Munich, 1𒁃997, p. 63, no. 60 (Museum Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg Inv no 1996.162).