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LOT 0449
Egyptian Carnelian Fly Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1/2 in. (0.41 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.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, pp.62-3.
FootnotesSmall fly amulets first appeared in burials during the Naqada II Period, c. 3200 B.C. These amulets grew in popularity and the materials used to make them expanded during the New Kingdom. They are crafted from a variety of materials such as gold, silver, lapis lazuli, carnelian, amethyst, faience, and bone. These amulets were thought to protect against insect bites and to ward off troublesome flying creatures through apotropaic magic. Some believe they may have even been intended to symbolise the fly’s fecundity. Additionally, 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:
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Egyptian Multi-Stranded Mummy Bead Necklace String
Late Period, 664-525 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
A composition necklace composed of multiple strands of polychrome beads of mainly annular and tubular types. 28 grams total, 82 cm long
Acquired before 1979. From the private collection of Mr F. A., South Kensington, London, UK; thence by descent 2014. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Red and yellow faience were among the new colours appeared in the 18th Dynasty, but they were in use until the Late Period. It was ideally formed from a core of sand and quartz and a vitreous alkaline glaze. It was the preferred medium of Egyptian jewellers even before the First Dynasty, because of its malleability and its ability to imitate other more expensive materials thanks to the colour of the glaze. -
Egyptian Striding Silver Amun-Re Figure
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Advancing on a rectangular base, wearing a kilt and shuti, a two-feather adornment, for the crown. 14.6 grams, 63 mm
Mr F.D. collection, acquired on the European art market, 1975 to present. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Phoenician Steatite Multi-Bodied Astarte Amulet
Circa 6th century B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Carved as three radiating figures with conical headdress; the hair, limbs and other features shared by the three separate personae; pierced for suspension. 1.70 grams, 23 mm
From the collection of Mr S.M., London, UK, formed from 1969-1999. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.