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LOT 0433
Egyptian Faience Crouching Goddess Amulet
PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 332-30 B.C.
1 5/8 in. (9.25 grams, 42 mm).
Formed as a nude Aphrodite crouching on a square base, her hands raised to dress her hair; socket to reverse. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market during the late 20th century.
From the private collection of David King (1940-2024), Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, UK.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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AUCTIONS:
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Egyptian Limestone Grave Figure
Old Kingdom, 4th Dynasty, circa 2613-2498 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £416
Carved in the half-round with suggestion of facial features and kilt; remains of an inscription on the right arm; perhaps unfinished. 969 grams, 17.5 cm
From a Swiss private collection. Acquired in Zurich in 1999. From the collection of G.M.R.H., London, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Egyptian Stone Crocodile Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Gently trapezoidal plinth with the finely detailed figure of a crocodile on top. 17.8 grams, 46 mm
From a UK dealer since the 1970s. From an old London, UK, collection since circa 1985. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Crocodile amulets represent the god Sobek - a complex Egyptian god embodying both destructive and creative forces. As the god of the Nile, fertility, and water, he played a vital role in agriculture and the land's prosperity. Sobek was revered for his dual nature as a protector and life-giver, particularly in times of war or need. His strength and protective qualities were essential to daily life and the Egyptians’ understanding of the cosmos, leaving a lasting impact on their culture. -
Egyptian Carnelian Fly Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Carved with ribbed body and eye detailing; drilled through the body for suspension. 0.34 grams, 10 mm
Ex London, UK, 1990s. 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.