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LOT 0014
Egyptian Alabaster Headrest Pillar with Hieroglyphic Inscription
OLD KINGDOM, 5TH-6TH DYNASTY, 2494-2181 B.C.
4 3/4 in. (628 grams, 12 cm).
Formed as a carved cone with fluting to the vertical face; plain panel with incised hieroglyphic text and cartouche; one part of a head-rest assembly.
ProvenancePrivate collection of Mr A., Montreal, acquired in the early 1980s.
Private collection, Switzerland, acquired from the above in 1993.
Thence by descent, family collection, from the late 1990s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12849-241633.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. head-rest assembly in the British Museum, accession no.EA30413.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0014
Egyptian Alabaster Headrest Pillar with Hieroglyphic Inscription
Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,950
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Egyptian Diorite Heart Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
A large heart, ib, amulet of classic egg-form with shallow lugs on either side, with flared top and incised lines to one side. 10.7 grams, 31 mm
From an early 20th century collection. Ex London, UK, gallery. From a private UK collection This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
According to ancient Egyptian beliefs, the heart (ib) was considered the centre of intelligence, emotions, and behaviour. It was also believed to store an individual's memories. During the Weighing of the Heart ceremony in the afterlife, the heart could speak on behalf of the deceased and account for their lifetime of actions before Osiris. For this reason, heart amulets were placed on the mummy to safeguard the organ and ensure a favourable outcome during judgment. -
Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet
Late-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
With linear detailing to wings, raised eyes, pierced for suspension. 0.84 grams, 19 mm
Ex London, UK, art market, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Although flies might seem like mere nuisances—often shown being swatted by pharaohs or officials—ancient Egyptians admired them for their speed, agility, and persistence. Fly-shaped amulets, first appearing in Naqada II burials around 3200 B.C., became especially popular in the New Kingdom. Made from materials like gold, silver, faience, lapis lazuli, and bone, they served apotropaic purposes, protecting against bites and warding off pests. Some may have also symbolised fertility. Gold fly pendants were even awarded by pharaohs to honour soldiers’ bravery and tenacity. -
Large Egyptian Steatite Scarab
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
With a detailed carapace, mouth, and legs; the underside decorated with a line border enclosing a large central sma motif in the upper half, followed by a neb, men, and Khepri beetle hieroglyphs, flanked by rearing cobras. 33.76 grams, 46 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
