Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 0455

Egyptian Faience Bead Mummy Face Mask

PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 332-30 B.C.

9 1/2 in. (67 grams, 24 cm high).

Restrung; a netted beadwork panel of annular and tubular glazed composition beads in blues, greens, black, cream and red-brown colours, depicting a mummy face mask with false beard, a scarab with extended wings below, the 'Four Sons of Horus’ beneath the scarab, joined together with areas of open netting of tubular beads.

Provenance

Acquired 1990s.
Ex Mariaud des Serres, Paris, France.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Literature

See Manley, B. and Dodson, A., Life Everlasting. National Museums Scotland Collection of Ancient Egyptian Coffins, Edinburgh, 2010, p.114, no. 43, for an example with similar elements.

Footnotes

The 'Four Sons of Horus' protected the internal organs of the deceased. Depicted from left to right: the falcon-headed Qebhesenuef protected the intestines; human-headed Imsety, the liver; baboon-headed Hapi, the lungs; jackal-headed Duamutef, the stomach.

CONDITION

VETTING:

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.

LOT 0455

Egyptian Faience Bead Mummy Face Mask

Sold for (Inc. bp): £715

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Phoenician Steatite Multi-Bodied Astarte Amulet
    Phoenician Steatite Multi-Bodied Astarte Amulet
    Circa 6th century B.C.

    Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £50

    Carved as three radiating figures with conical headdress; the hair, limbs and other features shared by the three separate personae; pierced for suspension. 1.70 grams, 23 mm



    From the collection of Mr S.M., London, UK, formed from 1969-1999. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

    Lot Details

  • Egyptian Silver Poppy Amulet
    Egyptian Silver Poppy Amulet
    Late-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £85

    Silver poppy-head with loop at the apex. 1.46 grams, 19 mm



    From an early 20th century collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

    Lot Details

  • Egyptian Carnelian Fly Amulet
    Egyptian Carnelian Fly Amulet
    Late Period, 664-332 B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £182

    Carved with simple body and eye detailing and polished; drilled through the eyes for suspension. 0.41 grams, 13 mm



    From an early 20th century collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

    Small fly amulets first appeared in burials during the Naqada II Period, c. 3200 B.C. These amulets grew in popularity and the materials used to make them expanded during the New Kingdom. They are crafted from a variety of materials such as gold, silver, lapis lazuli, carnelian, amethyst, faience, and bone. These amulets were thought to protect against insect bites and to ward off troublesome flying creatures through apotropaic magic. Some believe they may have even been intended to symbolise the fly’s fecundity. Additionally, pharaohs would bestow gold fly-shaped pendants as military awards to honour the bravery and fly-like persistence of soldiers in battle.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list