Loading, please wait...
LOT 0468
Egyptian Faience Eye of Horus Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1 in. (2.28 grams, 23 mm).
Openwork wedjat eye amulet with black and white inlay to the eye, with a rearing cobra wearing a sun disc crown at the front.
ProvenanceFrom an early 20th century collection.
Ex London, UK, gallery.
From a private UK collection
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
See Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, pp. 38-39, 46j, for a stone example of similar style.
FootnotesThe wedjat-eye amulet (also called the Eye of Horus) became one of the most recognisable symbols in ancient Egyptian culture. It represents the idea of protection, healing, and restoration. In myth, Horus lost his eye during his battle with Seth, and it was later magically restored, symbolising healing and the restoration of wholeness. The Eye of Horus came to represent divine power and protection and was often used in amulets for safeguarding and well-being.
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:
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.
-
Egyptian Blue Faience Amulet Representing Taweret
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £200 - 300 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Modelled standing on a rectangular base in hippopotamus-headed form with dorsal pillar, pierced for suspension at the rear of the two-feather headdress. 5.18 grams, 52 mm
Collection of an amateur, Carouge, Switzerland, assembled in the 1980s-1990s. Thence by descent to the collection of Mr S.P., since 2020. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Egyptian Faience Ram Statuette
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Modelled in a dynamic pose on a rectangular base, muscular body and striated dewlap, curving horns decorated with black glaze framing the face, three large black dots on the back with further black detailing to the front hooves and tail. 44.2 grams, 64 mm
Private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.2922.WW, dated 5 June 2007. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Various gods were depicted as rams. The downturned horns on this amulet indicate that the ram represents Amun. The ram was symbolically linked to ideas of revival and fertility, which, over time, became associated with Osiris and was also viewed as the god's soul or ba. -
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.
