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LOT 0009
Egyptian Black Steatite Eye of Horus Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
3/4 in. (1.45 grams, 19 mm).
Carved unifacial amulet with hatched eyebrow and ribbed suspension loop.
ProvenanceFrom a 20th century UK collection.
LiteratureCf. Flinders Petrie, W.M., Amulets, London, 1994, pl.XXV, fig.138l, for type.
FootnotesThe wedjat-eye amulet is a representation of the healed eye of the god Horus, featuring both human and falcon elements. The name Wedjat in ancient Egyptian means ‘the one that is sound.’ According to Egyptian mythology, Horus' eye was wounded or taken by the god Seth and restored by Thoth. The wedjat-eye amulet was thought to protect its wearer and bestow the power of recovery and regeneration onto them. It was very popular and used by both the living and the dead.
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Egyptian Steatite Scarab
Middle Kingdom-Second Intermediate Period, circa 1900-1560 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Plano-convex in section with segmented carapace and mouth parts; to the underside, the 'Sema-Tawy' central motif and two flanking ankh glyphs. 5.2 grams, 22 mm
From the collection of David Donlan (1947-2025), a dedicated and lifelong collector with a passion for the ancient world and the natural sciences, forming his collection from the 1960s onwards, using many reputable dealers across the United Kingdom, including the well-regarded Coincraft and The Parthenon Gallery.
The 'sema- tawy' is a powerful symbol representing the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. It traditionally consists of a windpipe entwined with lotus and papyrus plants. The ankh signs are the Egyptian hieroglyphs for 'life'. -
Egyptian Diorite Heart Scarab
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Finely carved, with naturalistic detailing to the upper body, legs shown folded beneath the body with suspension loop at centre. 7.5 grams, 25 mm
From a 20th century UK collection.
The Egyptians saw the scarab as a symbol of renewal and rebirth. The beetle was associated with the sun god because scarabs roll large balls of dung in which to lay their eggs, a behaviour that the Egyptians thought resembled the progression of the sun through the sky from east to west. Scarab amulets were used for their magical rejuvenating properties by both the living and the dead. The regenerative powers of scarabs, such as the one offered here, could be used by either the living or the dead for healing and protection. -
Egyptian Faience Hierogyphic Shabti
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
With moulded facial features, tripartite wig, agricultural tools in the crossed hands and a seed-bag to the left shoulder; dorsal pillar; vertical panel to lower body with impressed hieroglyphic inscription: 'The illuminated one, the Osiris, the Controller of the Estates.... (sḥḏ wsı͗r ḫrp-ḥwwt....); lower legs absent. 56.3 grams, 95 mm
From the private collection of a Canadian gentleman living in Essex, UK, formed since the 1920s-circa 1990. Property of an Essex lady until the late 1990s; thence by descent. From the private collection of an Essex gentleman since the late 1990s.