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LOT 0011
Egyptian Carnelian Eye of Horus Amulet
CIRCA 1000 B.C.
3/4 in. (1.64 grams, 19 mm).
With exceptional eye detailing carved in low-relief to one face.
ProvenanceEx R. Liechti (1934-2010) Geneva, Switzerland, formed between 1950-1990s.
Accompanied by a copy of an old collection inventory note.
Cf. Petrie, W.M.F., Amulets. Illustrated by the Egyptian Collection in University College, London, 1914, pl. XXV, no. 138z, for a wedjat-eye amulet of similar style.
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.
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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Egyptian Granite Relief
New Kingdom, 1550-1292 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,560
Relief fragment with dressed face and three edges; the feet and lower body of a human figure in profile wearing a tight-fitting calf-length garment on a baseline; the left forearm behind with hand holding a goose by its pinions; to the left a series of ḥtp hieroglyphs. 3.57 kg, 18.7 cm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12366-226937.
This likely represents part of an offering scene, showing the individual bringing a goose and the hieroglyphs writing ḥtpt, probably part of a phrase referring to 'offerings'. -
Egyptian Gold Ba-Bird Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
Finely detailed depiction of a human-headed ba-bird with outspread wings and the one preserved claw holding a shen ring. 0.38 grams, 15 mm
From the private collection of the late Mrs Belinda Ellison, a long time member of the Egyptian Exploration Society, c.1940-2020.
In ancient Egyptian religion, the ba is one of the principal aspects of the human soul, along with the ka and the akh. It is often depicted in bird form, symbolising the soul's mobility after death. -
Egyptian Amulet of Trussed Ibex
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Turquoise glazed faience figure of a trussed ibex, with the remains of its large curled horn, tail, facial details, and rope tie picked out in black; damaged and repaired. 11.6 grams, 63 mm
From the private collection of the late Mrs Belinda Ellison, a long time member of the Egyptian Exploration Society, c.1940-2020.
Figurines of trussed ibexes in faience were occasionally included in foundation deposits, possibly to represent animals that were sacrificed. However, the shallow depression in the body of this animal is similar to the style of cosmetic dishes, indicating that this particular example may be a funerary object symbolising a more valuable toiletry item.
