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_900x900.jpg "'Egyptian Blue' Counter Weight Menat Amulet")
_200x200.jpg "'Egyptian Blue' Counter Weight Menat Amulet")
.jpg "'Egyptian Blue' Counter Weight Menat Amulet")
LOT 0047
'Egyptian Blue' Counter Weight Menat Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-525 B.C.
2 5/8 in. (14 grams, 67 mm).
Amuletic pendant with broad bale, keyhole-shaped plaque with gusset to the rim.
ProvenanceAcquired on the German art market, 1989-1995.
with The Museum Gallery, 19 Bury Place, London, WC1A 2JB, 1998-2003.
Property of a London based academic, 2003-present.
Cf. Reisner, G.A., Catalogue général des antiquités égyptiennes du Musée du Caire, Nos.12528-13595, Vol. II, Amulets, Cairo, 1958, pl. V, nos. 12701 and 12694, for type.
FootnotesThe menat necklace was a sacred item of great importance to female Egyptian goddesses, particularly Hathor. Priestesses of Hathor and other powerful goddesses used the necklace as a rattle, holding it in their hand by the counterpoise and evoking protection from the sound of the shaken beads. The amuletic menat counterweight symbolised the whole elaborate necklace. The menat was considered a powerful magical amulet throughout Egyptian history, offering good luck and protection against evil spirits. It was often buried with the dead for protection in the afterlife and was believed to promote fertility and good health for women while signifying virility for men.
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
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LOT 0047
'Egyptian Blue' Counter Weight Menat Amulet
Estimate £800 - 1,000€930 - 1,160 (for guidance only)$1,080 - 1,350 (for guidance only)
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Large Egyptian Bead Panel with Four Sons of Horus and Winged Scarab
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Restrung as an openwork panel with a winged scarab above and the Four Sons of Horus below as two opposing pairs; restrung with some later beads. 33 grams, 14 cm
Ex Mariaud de Serres, Paris, France, 1980-1990s. From a London, UK, collection.
The Four Sons of Horus were deities responsible for protecting the internal organs of the deceased. The human-headed Imsety protected the liver, the baboon-headed Hapy protected the lungs, the jackal-headed Duamutef protected the stomach, and the falcon-headed Qebehsenuef protected the intestines. -
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Egyptian Basalt Torso of Naophoros
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
Carved in the round, depicting a male carrying a rectangular shrine intended to hold a figure of a goddess; arms and upper chest bare, strap to the chest to support an apron, dorsal pillar to the reverse; accompanied by a custom-made stand. 4.6 kg, 19.3 cm (5.18 kg total, 25 cm including stand)
From the collection of Danish furniture designer Ole Wanscher (1903-1985). Accompanied by an academic report by Egyptologist Paul Whelan. Accompanied by a copy of a photo of Wanscher in his office, circa 1960. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11843-207728.
Ole Wanscher was a leading figure of the Scandinavian Design movement. Wanscher was inspired by ancient designs, and one of his most famous creations, the 'Egyptian Stool', was based on folding chairs from Egypt's New Kingdom. This piece is visible in the background of a photo of Wanscher in his office, circa 1960. -
Bronze Bust with Phallus
Roman, 1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
Modelled as a grotesque male head, depicted clean-shaven and hairless apart from a small tuft of hair to the rear with a raised phallus above; the neck developing to a broad circular socket with flange rim; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 377 grams total, 14.5 cm including stand
From an old Nevers collection, acquired before 1960. Ex Hotel des Ventes de Nevers. Property of a French collector. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12035-214900.
The exact meaning of these grotesque busts surmounted by a phallus is disputed, although Rolland (p.106) believes that they originated in Alexandria among the priests of the cult of Isis. Similar busts have been discovered in the Roman Gallia, at Bavay and Strasbourg.
