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LOT 0454
Egyptian Faience Ram Statuette
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
2 1/2 in. (44.2 grams, 64 mm).
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.
ProvenancePrivate 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.
Cf. Tinius, I., Altägypten in Braunschweig. Die Sammlungen des Herzog Anton Ulrich-Museums und des Städtischen Museums, Wiesbaden, 2011, p. 156, no. 293, for a similar form.
FootnotesVarious 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.
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 Faience Hare Statuette
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Modelled in the round in crouching position with its ears pulled back and resting along the body, black detailing to the eyes. 25 grams, 44 mm
Private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The desert hare was one of the most common wild animals in Egypt. The female hare was sacred to Wenut, goddess of the 15th Upper Egyptian nome, though no specific hare cults are known. The purpose of hare figurines remains uncertain. According to Plutarch, Egyptians regarded the hare’s speed and keen senses—reflected in its open eyes—as divine. -
Egyptian Faience Anubis Amulet
664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
With rectangular base and dorsal pillar pierced at the shoulders, Anubis in human form with short klt, jackal's head with large ears. 4.92 grams, 46 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 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.
