Egyptian Carnelian Fly Amulet

LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.

5/8 in. (0.33 grams, 12 mm).

With detailing to wings and body, loop for suspension above the head. [No Reserve]

Provenance

Ex H Norri collection, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, UK, 1980s-1990s.

Footnotes

Although flies might seem like mere nuisances, the ancient Egyptians admired them for their speed, agility, and persistence. Fly-shaped amulets, first appearing in Naqada II burials around 3200 B.C., became particularly popular during the New Kingdom and afterwards. Made from materials such as gold, silver, faience, lapis lazuli, and bone, they served apotropaic functions, protecting against bites and warding off pests. Some may have also symbolised fertility. Gold fly pendants were even awarded by pharaohs to honour soldiers’ bravery and tenacity.

CONDITION

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LOT 0485