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]

Provenance

From an early 20th century collection, Surrey, UK.

Literature

Cf. Christies, 14 April 2011, Lot 66, Baron Empain collection (1852-1929); see also Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, pp.62-3.

Footnotes

Considering 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.

CONDITION

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LOT 0484