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_900x900.jpg "Egyptian Faience Menat Amulet")
_200x200.jpg "Egyptian Faience Menat Amulet")
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LOT 0484
Egyptian Faience Menat Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1 in. (1.52 grams, 25 mm).
Amuletic pendant formed as keyhole-shaped plaque with decorative column to one face, ribbed suspension loop to the top.
ProvenanceEx early 20th century collection, London, UK.
LiteratureCf. Petrie, W.M.F., Amulets. Illustrated by the Egyptian Collection in University College, London, 1914, pl.III, items 33a-d.
FootnotesThe menat was a counterpoise that hung at the back of a heavy ornamental collar and was closely associated with the goddess Hathor. Amulets representing the counterpoise were thought to bring good luck, protect against evil spirits, and safeguard the wearer in the afterlife. Their Hathoric connection symbolised fertility and good health for women while representing virility for men.
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:
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Egyptian Cartonnage Panel with Pectoral
Late Period-Ptolemaic Period, circa 664-30 B.C.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £900
A rectangular cartonnage panel with bands of triangles, teardrops and other motifs in white, red, blue and pale green; winged scarab to the bottom, lower portion of a winged sun disc flanked by uraei to the top; mounted on a custom-made stand. 2.06 kg total, 31.4 cm wide including stand
Ex early 20th century collection, London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13096-249409
This piece was probably part of a set of cartonnage trappings placed on the mummy. -
Egyptian Blue Faience Offering Cup with Inscription
Late Period-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Conical in profile with a wide base and a shallow interior hollow; inscription in a darker blue glaze, consisting of a single line of demotic-script text. 57 grams, 62 mm
Mariaud de Serres, Drouot, Paris, 1999. with Christie’s, New York, 5-6 December 2001, no.354. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages.
Demotic script was an ancient Egyptian writing system that was used from approximately the 7th century B.C. to the 4th century A.D. It represented a more simplified and cursive form of writing compared to hieroglyphs and hieratic script. Demotic text was employed for a wide range of purposes in ancient Egypt, including administrative, legal, religious, and literary documents. Deciphering Demotic has played a pivotal role in enhancing our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture, history, and everyday life. -
Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
With detailing to wings and eyes, loop for suspension above the head. 2.15 grams, 24 mm
From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman, 1990s.
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 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.
