Sirens are known from Greek mythology as hybrid beings with a bird's body and a human head. The Egyptians worshipped the Ba bird in this form, which could act autonomously as the embodiment of the soul after death.
The yellow, very hard faience is a special feature. So far, only two other vessels are known, probably from the same workshop as this siren. The piece was probably produced in a Greek-influenced workshop in Lower Egypt, most likely in Memphis.
Former collection Friedrich Wilhelm von Bissing
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