Loading, please wait...
LOT 0462
Egyptian Carnelian Fly Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1/2 in. (0.42 grams, 12 mm).
Formed as a fly with long triangular wings and domed eyes.
ProvenanceFrom an early 20th century collection.
LiteratureCf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, pp.62-3.
FootnotesFly amulets first appeared in burials as early as c. 3200 B.C., but their popularity expanded during the New Kingdom. They were made from various materials such as gold, silver, lapis lazuli, carnelian, amethyst, faience, and bone. Fly amulets were thought to protect against insect bites and to ward off troublesome flying creatures through apotropaic magic. They may also have even been intended to symbolise the fly’s fecundity. Pharaohs would bestow gold fly-shaped pendants as military awards to honour the bravery and fly-like persistence of soldiers in battle.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Egyptian Faience Blue Glazed Shabti
Ptolemaic Period, 323-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
A typical mummiform figure with moulded facial detailing, a lappet wig, and hands holding a pick and hoe, the back with a possible hieratic inscription, mounted on a custom-made stand with label 'Ancient Egypt / (26th Dyn - Ptolem.) / circa 664-332 BC / Turquoise Faience / Ushabti Figure'. 91 grams total, 13 cm high including stand
Ex old UK collection. Acquired from Cestrian Antiques, Chester, UK, 2002. Ex Pemberton collection, Wales, UK. Accompanied by old information labels with collection reference C.234. Accompanied by the original Cestrian Antiques invoice. -
Egypto-Phoenician Hardstone Scaraboid Set in Bronze Pendant
Late 1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £111
Comprising a carnelian scaraboid with a stylised bird with open wings to the underside, pellets to the field; set in an openwork bronze pendant frame with tubular loop. 3.84 grams, 18 mm
From an early 20th century Home Counties, UK, collection. -
Egyptian Multi-Stranded Faience Mummy Bead Necklace
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Multi-stranded designer necklace composed of beads of mainly annular and tubular types. 23 grams, 78 cm
Acquired before 1979. From the private collection of Mr F.A., South Kensington, London, UK; thence by descent 2014.
For thousands of years, artisans in Egypt created vibrant ceramics to echo the beauty of rare jewels. These ornaments were created with almost every material, colour, and texture imaginable and they come from across Egypt and beyond: vibrant blue lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, glossy black obsidian from Turkey, and aqua-green turquoise from the Sinai. They were worn in life and, after death, they served as precious ornamentation for mummies.
