Egyptian Flint Handaxe

Openwork wedjat eye pendant with suspension loop above and slender frame. 0.78 grams, 21 mm



Acquired 1970s onwards. Private collection of Michael O'Hara, Cambridgeshire, UK.

The wedjat eye amulet symbolised the eye of the falcon god Horus. According to ancient Egyptian mythology, Horus’ eye was gouged out by his treacherous uncle Seth and then healed by Thoth. While these amulets could be worn for protection in daily life, they also played a significant role in the funerary sphere. Wedjat eye amulets were believed to offer protection to the deceased’s mummy and could serve as substitutes for daily food offerings.

Formed as a fly with long triangular wings and domed eyes. 0.84 grams, 16 mm



From an early 20th century collection.

Considering Egyptian artists often depicted fly whisks in the hands of pharaohs and high officials, one might assume that flies were simply a nuisance. However, the Egyptians held flies in high regard due to their quick speed, reactions, and persistence. Small fly amulets first appeared in burials during the Naqada II Period, c. 3200 B.C. These amulets grew in popularity, and the materials used to make them expanded during the New Kingdom. They are crafted from various materials such as gold, silver, lapis lazuli, carnelian, amethyst, faience, and bone. These amulets were thought to protect against insect bites and to ward off troublesome flying creatures through apotropaic magic. Some believe they may have even been intended to symbolise the fly’s fecundity. Additionally, pharaohs would bestow gold fly-shaped pendants as military awards to honour soldiers' bravery and fly-like persistence in battle.

Including oblate beads, scarab with the underside carved with a human figure and winged gryphon, a rock crystal dog, sheet bronze fragments, a bronze cylindrical case, and other items. 126 grams total, 7-89 mm



Collected from 1970-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.