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LOT 0484
Egyptian Carnelian Fly Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1/2 in. (0.44 grams, 13 mm).
Carved with simple body and eye detailing and polished; drilled through the eyes for suspension. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom an early 20th century collection, Surrey, UK.
LiteratureCf. Christies, 14 April 2011, Lot 66, Baron Empain collection (1852-1929); see also Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, pp.62-3.
FootnotesConsidering Egyptian artists often depicted fly whisks in the hands of pharaohs and high officials, one might assume that flies were simply a nuisance. However, the Egyptians held flies in high regard due to their quick speed, reactions, and persistence. Small fly amulets were made from various materials, including gold, silver, lapis lazuli, carnelian, amethyst, faience, and bone. These amulets were believed to protect against insect bites and ward off flying creatures through apotropaic magic.
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AUCTIONS:
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Egyptian Faience Papyrus Sceptre Pendant
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Amulet in the form of a wadj papyrus sceptre with suspension loop; with light encrustations; supplied with a wooden display stand. 7.15 grams, 64 mm (34.4 grams total, 94 mm including stand)
Ex Foxwell collection. Acquired from a London gallery. Ex Mr A.S. collection, 1990s. Property of a Bristol, UK, gentleman.
The papyrus column or wadj amulet is typically made out of turquoise feldspar or faience, as is prescribed in the Book of the Dead. The word wadj, meaning “green”, evokes concepts of well-being and vitality. Papyrus amulets were often placed around the neck of the deceased to ensure eternal youth in the afterlife. They were particularly popular during the Late Period (664-332 B.C.). -
Egyptian Hardstone Double Plume Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £125
Carved with integral loop to the reverse; old inked collector's reference 'ES716'. 2.58 grams, 27 mm
with Hotel des Ventes, Drouot, Paris, France. From the collection of Mr H. Naudy, Paris, France. Acquired at between 2004-2010. Property of a French collector.
This ancient amulet represents two ostrich feathers or shuty. Interestingly, these feathers were also present on the Atef crown of Osiris, the god of the afterlife and the dead. This suggests the amulet was believed to imbue the wearer with Osiris' divine power and protection. -
Egyptian Wooden Falcon
Late Period-Ptolemaic Period, 664-31 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Carved figure of a falcon perching on an ellipsoid base, with mortice in the top of the head for a separately-fashioned crown (missing); traces of painted decoration visible on the face; old collector's numbers to the underside 'E.18' and 'ΛOC'. 124 grams, 16.3 cm
Ex R. Liechti (1934-2010) Geneva, Switzerland, formed between 1950-1990s.
