Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0478
Egyptian Carnelian Frog Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
3/4 in. (298 grams, 19 mm).
Carved in the round, pierced through the body for suspension.
Provenance
UK private collection before 2000.
Acquired on the UK art market.
Private collection, London, UK.
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, p.32, fig. 28h, for a similar example in diorite.
Footnotes
Frog amulets in ancient Egypt symbolised fertility, rebirth, and regeneration. Associated with the goddess Heqet, linked to childbirth and life-giving forces, these amulets were especially popular in contexts related to fertility and protection during pregnancy and childbirth. Their connection to the annual Nile flood, which brought new life to the land, further reinforced their symbolism of renewal and abundance.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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.
RELATED LOTS
-
Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet
Late-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
With detailing to wings and eyes, loop for suspension above the head. 2 grams, 24 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.
Considering that Egyptian artists often depicted fly whisks in the hands of pharaohs and high officials, one might assume that flies were merely a nuisance. However, the Egyptians held flies in high regard for their speed, quick reactions, and persistence. Small fly amulets first appeared in burials during the Naqada II Period, around 3200 B.C. These amulets gained popularity, and the materials used to make them varied during the New Kingdom. They were crafted from various materials such as gold, silver, lapis lazuli, carnelian, amethyst, faience, and bone. These amulets were believed to protect against insect bites and to ward off troublesome flying creatures through apotropaic magic. Some believe they may have even symbolised the fly’s fecundity. Additionally, pharaohs would bestow gold fly-shaped pendants as military awards to honour the bravery and persistence of soldiers in battle. -
Egyptian Terracotta Cylindrical Jar
Early Dynastic Period, Naqada IIIC, circa 3100 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
Band of imitation rope-twist decoration encircling the top of the jar, the mouth slightly flaring with a slightly damaged rolled lip. 950 grams, 22 cm
with Bonhams, London, 1 May 2008, no.432 [Part]. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00035996. Accompanied by a copy of relevant Bonhams catalogue pages. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
These vessels often exhibit different surface treatments; the rim and area above the rope twist show marks where the vessel was rotated to produce the rim, and below, the rest of the jar has a scrape-smoothed surface. -
Egyptian Faience Eye of Horus Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
Openwork wedjat eye amulet with black and white inlay to the eye, with a rearing cobra wearing a sun disc crown at the front. 2.28 grams, 23 mm
From an early 20th century collection. Ex London, UK, gallery. From a private UK collection This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The wedjat-eye amulet (also called the Eye of Horus) became one of the most recognisable symbols in ancient Egyptian culture. It represents the idea of protection, healing, and restoration. In myth, Horus lost his eye during his battle with Seth, and it was later magically restored, symbolising healing and the restoration of wholeness. The Eye of Horus came to represent divine power and protection and was often used in amulets for safeguarding and well-being.
