Late Period, 525-332 BC. A rectangular section of a polychrome wooden coffin, to the centre of the panel three vertical columns of hieroglyphic text; a seated figure to the left, wearing false beard and long tunic, holding a feather (symbol of truth, Ma'at) in his hand; to the right a large serpent arranged in regular waves, possibly depicting Nehebkau as a full serpent; mounted on a ctom-made display stand. 185 grams, 22cm wide (272 grams total including stand) (8 1/2"). Acquired mainly during the 1950s-1970s. Collection of Hugh Stanley Rsell (1924-2000"). , London, 20 October 2005, lot 8 (part"). Private collection of Egyptologist Paul Whelan, Hertfordshire, UK. Apanied by copies of the relevant catalogue pages. Nehebkau was a primordial snake god and acted as one of the forty-two assessors of Ma'at, examining the purity and sinlessness of the deceased.