Loading, please wait...
Details
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]
Provenance
From 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.
Literature
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.
Footnotes
The 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).
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): £130
With detailing to wings and eyes, loop for suspension above the head. 1.05 grams, 17 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 Green-Blue Glass Inlay of the Horus Falcon
Ptolemaic Period, circa 332-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Modelled in silhouette with painted detailing; mounted on a custom-made stand. 24.15 grams total, 73 mm including stand
with Eternal Egypt, London, UK. Private collection, London, UK, acquired from the above on the 21 May 1992. Accompanied by a copy of the Eternal Egypt invoice. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Phoenician Bronze Scarab Pendant
6th-4th century B.C.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £125
With suspension loop and frame, intaglio figural scene including stylised birds and winged scarabs, with recesses; with museum-quality impression. 13.5 grams, 23 mm
Ex London, UK, gentleman 1980-2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.