Loading, please wait...
LOT 0423
Egyptian Carnelian Fly Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
3/8 in. (0.34 grams, 10 mm).
Carved with ribbed body and eye detailing; drilled through the body for suspension. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx London, UK, 1990s.
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:
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 Silver Poppy Amulet Group
Late-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Three pendants each with poppy-head and loop at the apex. 3.68 grams total, 17-19 mm
Ex London, UK, gentleman 1980-1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Amulets in the form of poppies were used to heal and alleviate pain and to ward off death. These types of amulets were also linked to Osiris, the Egyptian deity of agriculture, death, and the afterlife. -
Egyptian Red-Glass Disc Collection
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
All four gently domed on one side and flat backed; three are of similar diameter, with one larger. 45.3 grams total, 25-41 mm
Acquired on the UK art market, 1977-1979. Private collection, London. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Egyptian Mosaic Glass Amphora
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
Mosaic glass amphora with trumpet mouth, applied lateral loop handles, bands of marvered trails; mounted on a custom-made stand. 35 grams total, 62 mm including stand
Ex Mayfair, London, UK, gallery, 1990s-2000s. From an important collection of glass, the property of a London gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. Hall, E.H., 'A Collection Made of Antique Glass,' The Museum Journal IV, 4 (1913), p.120, fig. 96, for examples of this vessel type.
