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LOT 0493
Egyptian Coptic Bone Items
3RD-6TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 - 1 5/8 in. (9.45 grams total, 32-43 mm).
Comprising: a tapering plano-convex section body with D-shaped face, nose and mouth; tag or lace-end with carved female bust. [2, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. Shatil, A., ‘Bone figurines of the early Islamic period: the so-called “Coptic dolls” from Palestine and Egypt’, in Vitezović, S. (ed), Close to the Bone: current studies in bone technologies, Belgrade, 2016, for a discussion of the emergence of Coptic bone figurines, including examples similar to the larger figurine.
FootnotesThe smaller item is possibly the finial from a decorative hair pin (Cf. Petrie, W.M.F., Objects of Daily Use, Warminster, 1972, pl. XIX, no. 81, for a complete example).
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 Faience Amulet Representing Thoth
664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Comprising a rectangular base and dorsal pillar pierced behind the shoulders, the god with ibis head, tripartite wig, knee-length kilt. 2.33 grams, 37 mm
Private collection, Carouge, Switzerland, assembled in the 1980s-1990s. Thence by descent to the collection of Mr S.P., since 2020. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Egyptian Stone Scarab in Bronze Pendant
Late-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £125
Ellipsoid pendant enclosing a scarab with underside exposed, incused design including a winged gryphon and uraeus; with a museum-quality impression. 3.61 grams, 15 mm
From the late S M collection, London, UK, 1969-1999. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Egyptian Green Glazed Faience Amulet of Nephthys
Late Period, 26th Dynasty, circa 664-525 B.C.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Depicting the goddess Nephthys wearing the two hieroglyphic parts of her name (Neb(et)-Hut), with dorsal pillar and base. 2.68 grams, 37 mm
with B.M.S., Switzerland. Private collection, London, UK, acquired from the above on 14 September 1981. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Nephthys was a protective goddess linked to mourning, magic, and the afterlife. As the sister of Isis, she played a vital role in the funerary rites of Osiris. Amulets like this were placed on the deceased to invoke her protection and aid in rebirth. Typically made of faience or semi-precious stone, they were especially common in the Late Period.
