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LOT 0549
Egyptian Faience Bes Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
7/8 in. (3.54 grams, 20 mm).
Rectangular plaque with a head of Bes modelled in low relief on one side and symbols on the reverse; pierced longitudinally.
ProvenanceEx early 20th century collection, London, UK.
FootnotesFrom the New Kingdom onwards, Bes became one of ancient Egypt's most popular apotropaic deities. Despite his somewhat fearsome appearance, Bes served as the patron and protector of pregnant women and children, and was also believed to shield them from snakes.
Double-sided Bes amulets appear during the Third Intermediate Period and continued into the Late Period, possibly perpetuated in part by Levantine demand (Cf. Pierrat-Bonnefois, G., ”Les questions d'identité culturelle que soulèvent certaines faïences de la première moitié du Ier millénaire”, dans Bonadies, L., Chirpanlieva, I., Guillon, É. (dir.), Les Phéniciens, les Puniques et les autres. Échanges et identités en Méditerranée ancienne, Orient & Méditerranée 31, Paris, 2019, pp. 58-60, fig. 5b).
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AUCTIONS:
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Egyptian Faience Horus Falcon Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Seated falcon with impressed detailing to wings and head; rectangular base and suspension loop on the back. 1.08 grams, 17 mm
Ex early 20th century collection, London, UK.
Horus is one of the most significant and widely worshipped gods in ancient Egyptian mythology. His importance spans multiple facets of Egyptian religion, including kingship, protection, the sky, and the sun. Depicted in various human and animal forms, Horus played a vital role in Egyptian cosmology, particularly as the Pharaoh's protector and as a symbol of divine authority. -
Romano-Egyptian Haematite Scarab with Gnostic Figure
3rd century A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £333
With scene to underside of a winged figure advancing. 6.52 grams, 17 mm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. -
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Egyptian Carnelian Scarab Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Carved in the round scarab with longitudinal piercing. 0.40 grams, 8.5 mm
Ex Belinda Elliston collection, 20th century.
