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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 Body of Anubis Glass Inlay
Late Period-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £667
With gently curved obverse and flat reverse, section of an inlay depicting Anubis, with thick neck and beginning of extended foreleg. 108 grams, 96 mm
Acquired on the French art market, 1980s. with Bonhams, London, 13 April 2011, lot 21. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages. -
Egyptian Faience Bead Necklace with Winged Scarab Motif
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Composed of annular beads in several colours, restrung and with a modern catch. 12.4 grams, 50 cm long
Property of a late lady collector, acquired 1940-1990s.
Winged scarabs were often used as funerary amulets and were believed to symbolise the rebirth and regeneration of the deceased. -
Egyptian Faience Phallic Figural Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Figurine of a naked male seated on a rectangular base, his phallus extended forward on which the harp he is playing rests; sold with a later white-glazed heart with blue finial, possibly after the antique. 24.5 grams total, 18-44 mm
From the collection of Doctor Girard, a collector for over 60 years. with Hotel des Ventes de Clermont-Ferrand, 22 May 2017. Property of a French collector.
