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Details

LOT 0495

Egyptian Carnelian Fly Amulet

LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.

1/2 in. (0.32 grams, 12 mm).

Carved with simple body and eye detailing and polished; drilled through the eyes for suspension. [No Reserve]

Provenance

Ex North London, UK, gallery, early 2000s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Literature

Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, pp.62-3.

Footnotes

Egyptian artists often depicted fly whisks with pharaohs and officials, suggesting flies were just nuisances. In reality, Egyptians valued flies for their speed and persistence. Small fly amulets appeared around 3200 B.C. in Naqada II burials, gaining popularity and varying materials during the New Kingdom, including gold, silver, lapis lazuli, carnelian, amethyst, faience, and gemstones. These amulets were thought to protect against insect bites and troublesome creatures via apotropaic magic and possibly symbolised fecundity. Pharaohs awarded gold fly-shaped pendants to honour soldiers' bravery in battle.

CONDITION

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LOT 0495

Egyptian Carnelian Fly Amulet

Sold for (Inc. bp): £195

Print page

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