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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 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 Faience Cylinder Seal with Geometric Decoration
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
With horizontal ribbing and reserved geometric design; old stock label '8752'. 5.78 grams, 31 mm
Private collection, Oxford, UK. Acquired from Helios Gallery, December 2009. Private collection, London, UK, -
Egyptian Faience Mummy Bead Necklace
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Restrung group of mainly tubular beads with centrepiece a fragment of the extended wing from a pectoral. 11.9 grams, 94 cm long
From an old English deceased estate. Acquired on the London art market in the early 1990s. Property of a London, UK, collector.
