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LOT 0452
Egyptian Faience Turtle Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1/2 in. (0.76 grams, 11 mm).
Blue glazed turtle amulet or bead with flat base and incised lines to each leg, pierced for suspension.
ProvenanceFrom an early 20th century collection.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Turtle amulets have a rich history in ancient Egypt. The turtle was considered to possess a dual character. On one hand, it lived in the dark depths, embodying cosmic danger and was ritually annihilated. On the other hand, its power could be harnessed to ward off evil and work to the advantage of people, making turtle amulets a potent symbol of protection.
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 Steatite Scarab Collection
New Kingdom-Late Period, 1550-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Designs include: a line border encloses the standing figure of a falcon-headed deity wearing a sun disc and uraeus, standing before the hieroglyphs user, Maat, Re, setep, n, Re); a line border enclosing n, cobra, nefer, and neb signs; a line border enclosing numerous hieroglyphs, including those spelling the throne name of Thutmose III (men-kheper-Re); a falcon; and two plain scarabs. 13.18 grams total, 10-21 mm
From a London collection, 2000s, some previously ex Mustaki collection pre 1950. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The design of the first scarab incorporates Ramesses II’s throne name ‘the justice of Re is powerful, chosen of Re (user-Maat-Re setep-n-Re) -
Egyptian Glass Eye Inlay Pair
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
The sclera white and the iris black. 4.12 grams total, 27-29 mm
Acquired on the UK art market, 1977-1979. Private collection, London. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Egyptian coffin eye inlays were both decorative and symbolic, intended to make the coffin appear lifelike and assist the deceased in the afterlife. Typically, they featured a white sclera (glass, travertine, alabaster or quartz), a dark iris (glass or often obsidian), and sometimes red paint at the inner corner. The eyes were often set in bronze or copper frames, occasionally with faience or bronze eyebrows. -
Egyptian Hardstone Heart Amulet
New Kingdom, 1550-1070 B.C.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
A heart, ib, amulet of classic egg-form with shallow lugs on either side with short flared top and tubular suspension loop. 1.5 grams, 17 mm
From an early 20th century collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
According to ancient Egyptian beliefs, the heart (ib) was considered to be the centre of intelligence, emotions, and behaviour. The heart was also believed to store an individual's memories. During the Weighing of the Heart ceremony in the afterlife, the heart could speak up for the deceased and account for their lifetime of actions before Osiris. For this reason, heart amulets were placed on the mummy to safeguard the organ and ensure a favourable outcome during judgment.
