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LOT 0498
Egyptian Faience Scarab with Hieroglyphs
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
5/8 in. (2.66 grams, 18 mm).
Modelled as a scarab resting on a textured base with a tubular extension behind and before the head forming part of the piercing, the underside features two rearing cobras atop neb signs flanking a nefer sign, with a large nwb sign (meaning 'gold') below.
ProvenanceFrom the property of a London, UK, gentleman, 1970-2000s.
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 Mahes Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £140
Standing figure of the lion-headed god wearing the atef crown and a uraeus, arms slightly forward; with dorsal pillar and rectangular base; pierced for suspension. 1.43 grams, 27 mm
Ex early 20th century collection, London, UK.
Mahes was an Egyptian lion-headed deity symbolising divine protection, royal power, and justice. Considered a son of Sekhmet or Bastet, he represented the aggressive solar force of Ra, serving as a fierce defender of cosmic order. Venerated in the Delta, especially at Leontopolis, Mahes was depicted as a lion or as a man with a lion's head, often adorned with the atef-crown and uraeus. -
Egyptian Gold Vase-Shaped Bead
Late New Kingdom, 1279-1070 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
With median baluster and flange to each end. 4.80 grams, 50 mm
Ex French collection, early 20th century.
This bead likely represents a hes vase, an important ritual vessel used for libations to both the living and the dead. -
Egyptian Carnelian Fly Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
With detailing to wings and body, loop for suspension above the head. 0.33 grams, 12 mm
Ex H Norri collection, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, UK, 1980s-1990s.
Although flies might seem like mere nuisances, the ancient Egyptians admired them for their speed, agility, and persistence. Fly-shaped amulets, first appearing in Naqada II burials around 3200 B.C., became particularly popular during the New Kingdom and afterwards. Made from materials such as gold, silver, faience, lapis lazuli, and bone, they served apotropaic functions, protecting against bites and warding off pests. Some may have also symbolised fertility. Gold fly pendants were even awarded by pharaohs to honour soldiers’ bravery and tenacity.