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LOT 0485
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]
ProvenanceEx H Norri collection, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, UK, 1980s-1990s.
FootnotesAlthough 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.
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 Bronze Osiris Statue
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
A sizeable, slender standing mummiform figure of Osiris, wearing his iconic tall conical Atef crown with flanking ostrich plumes and a central uraeus, holding the crook (heka) and flail (nekhakha) regalia; mounted on a display stand. 821 grams total, 26 cm high including stand
From the estate of Alexander Dobkin (1908-1975), New York, USA, acquired prior to 1975. Thence by descent to his daughter, Katherine Dobkin, New York, USA..
Osiris was associated with death and fertility and was widely recognised as the supreme god of renewal and rebirth. Although he was once a mortal ruler, as a deity, his domain was the Underworld. Abydos served as the main site of Osiris’ worship, where a renowned annual celebration in his honour took place. -
Egyptian Bronze Osiris Statuette
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Standing mummiform figure, wearing the conical Atef crown with flanking ostrich plumes and frontal uraeus, holding the crook (heka) and flail (nekhakha) regalia; minor chip to the crown. 16.5 grams, 69 mm
Ex Constable collection, 1990s. Ex P. Morris collection. -
Egyptian Glass Panel with Eyes
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £220 - 320 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £118
Irregular glass panel fragment with inlaid mosaic eye motifs; repaired. 1.57 grams, 18 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.