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LOT 0433
Egyptian Bone Hairpin with Thoth as a Baboon
NEW KINGDOM, 1569-1081 B.C.
3 1/2 in. (5.4 grams, 89 mm).
Tapering round-section hairpin, with a finial fashioned as a seated baboon with its tail resting along the body.
ProvenanceEx Thomas collection, UK, 1980s-1990s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. Vandier d’Abbadie, J., Les objets de toilette égyptiens au Musée du Louvre, Paris, 1972, pp. 148-149, nos. 633-4, for monkey-topped examples.
FootnotesDecorative hairpins often feature animals such as monkeys and cats, and inanimate objects such as olives.
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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Phoenician Carnelian Scaraboid with Lion
6th-4th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,600
Carved in the half-round as a recumbent lion with head turned, underside with incuse image of a gryphon-headed man holding snakes in his hands. 2.55 grams, 18.65 mm
From the collection of a deceased London gentleman, UK, 1970-1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12636-234419. 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. -
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Egyptian Jasper Lion-Headed Cobra Amulet in Gold Frame
New Kingdom, circa 1550-1070 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,895
The S-curved body resting on a tongue-shaped based, detailed hood, and delicate details to the head of a lioness; wrapped in a gold frame with suspension loop. 2 grams, 18 mm
Private collection of Mr K.A. Private collection, Europe, 26 June 2009. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12590-232325. 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.
This amulet likely represents a goddess, either Sekhmet or Wadjet. Sekhmet is typically depicted as a lioness or lion-headed woman, while Wadjet appears in the form of a cobra. The lion-headed cobra form can be an allusion to the uraeus, worn on the crowns of royalty and deities for protection. -
Egyptian Jasper Fly Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Carved in the round resting on an oval base, striated body; pierced longitudinally. 0.88 grams, 14 mm
Ex London and Home Counties collection, UK, 1920-1940. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Egyptian artists often depicted fly whisks with pharaohs and officials, suggesting flies were just nuisances. In reality, Egyptians valued flies for their speed and persistence. Small fly amulets appeared around 3200 B.C. in Naqada II burials, gaining popularity and varying materials during the New Kingdom, including gold, silver, lapis lazuli, carnelian, amethyst, faience, and gemstones. These amulets were thought to protect against insect bites and troublesome creatures via apotropaic magic and possibly symbolised fecundity. Pharaohs awarded gold fly-shaped pendants to honour soldiers' bravery in battle.
