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LOT 0460
Egyptian Gold Ba-Bird Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
5/8 in. (0.38 grams, 15 mm).
Finely detailed depiction of a human-headed ba-bird with outspread wings and the one preserved claw holding a shen ring.
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of the late Mrs Belinda Ellison, a long time member of the Egyptian Exploration Society, c.1940-2020.
LiteratureCf. Wilkinson, A., Ancient Egyptian Jewellery, London, 1971, for an example of a similar form.
FootnotesIn ancient Egyptian religion, the ba is one of the principal aspects of the human soul, along with the ka and the akh. It is often depicted in bird form, symbolising the soul's mobility after death.
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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Phoenician Scarab in Gold Swivel Ring
8th-5th century B.C.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
The scarab with lightly incised anatomical detailing, the underside with a central cartouche flanked by two rearing crowned uraei, a pair of falcons standing above the cartouche facing a smꜣ hieroglyph symbolising union (of the two lands, Upper and Lower Egypt); set into a later gold swivel ring. 4.34 grams, 26.44 mm overall, 15.68 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)
with Bonhams, London, 21 October 1999, no.36. Private collection, Europe. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12370-226696. -
Egyptian Silver Cat Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £416
Seated figure of a cat with deeply set eyes and pointed ears set on a rectangular base with a rounded end; suspension loop on the back. 0.33 grams, 8 mm
From an early 20th century collection.
The cat was sacred to Bastet, a protective mother goddess and the daughter of the sun god Re. Amulets provided the wearer with the goddess's protection. -
Egyptian Flaked Arrowhead
4th-2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Lentoid in section and lozengiform in plan with two cutting edges. 1.48 grams, 35 mm
From the collection of Mr S.M., London, UK, formed from 1979-1999.
