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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 Green Glazed Faience Amulet of a Monkey
Third Intermediate Period, circa 1069-735 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
Modelled in the round with dorsal pillar and loop, small base. 6.1 grams total, 43 mm including stand
Collection of Monsieur M.; Etude Tajan, Paris, 26 February 1996, no.101. Private collection, London, UK, acquired from the above sale. Accompanied by a copy of a French cultural passport, dated 21 March 1996. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The vervet monkey was a symbol of love and sexual fulfilment. -
Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet
Late-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
With linear detailing to wings, raised eyes, pierced for suspension. 0.84 grams, 19 mm
Ex London, UK, art market, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Although flies might seem like mere nuisances—often shown being swatted by pharaohs or officials—ancient Egyptians admired them for their speed, agility, and persistence. Fly-shaped amulets, first appearing in Naqada II burials around 3200 B.C., became especially popular in the New Kingdom. Made from materials like gold, silver, faience, lapis lazuli, and bone, they served apotropaic purposes, 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. -
Egyptian Green Glass Winged Goddess Pectoral
Ptolemaic Period, 300-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,950
A fragmentary rectangular-section figure of a kneeling goddess with outstretched wings; accurate detailing to the goddess, wearing a tripartite wig with a seshed headband tied at the back, a menat broad collar and a tightly wrapped sheath held up by two straps leaving the breasts exposed, the dress decorated with a lozenge pattern possibly representing beadwork. 15.3 grams, 54 mm
Swiss private collection, 1970s. Galerie Nefer, Zurich, early 1990s. with Christie's New York, 9 December 2008, no.39. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12843-241338. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Although it is not possible to spot holes in the upper and lower edges, this figure was probably a pectoral or chest ornament with an apotropaic function that would have been attached to the wrapping of the mummy.
