Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 0019

Egyptian Green Glazed Faience Amulet of a Monkey

THIRD INTERMEDIATE PERIOD, CIRCA 1069-735 B.C.

1 5/8 in. (6.1 grams total, 43 mm including stand).

Modelled in the round with dorsal pillar and loop, small base.

Provenance

Collection of Monsieur M.; Etude Tajan, Paris, 26 February 1996, no.101.
Private collection, London, UK, acquired from the above sale.

Accompanied by a copy of a French cultural passport, dated 21 March 1996.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Literature

Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, p.66, fig.71c.

Footnotes

The vervet monkey was a symbol of love and sexual fulfilment.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine 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:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 0019

Egyptian Green Glazed Faience Amulet of a Monkey

Estimate £1,000 - 1,400€1,160 - 1,620 (for guidance only)$1,350 - 1,890 (for guidance only)

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Egyptian Heart Scarab Group
    Egyptian Heart Scarab Group
    Late Period, 664-332 B.C.

    Estimate: £180 - 240 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £90

    Comprising two scarabs with striated wing cases and ribbed underside. 7.5 grams total, 18-20 mm



    From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    The scarab amulet was a powerful symbol of rebirth, transformation, and protection in ancient Egypt. Modelled after the beetle linked to the sun god Khepri, it represented the cycle of life and regeneration. Used from the Middle Kingdom (c. 2050 BCE) onwards, scarabs served as funerary amulets, personal charms, and seals—often inscribed with prayers or names—reflecting both spiritual beliefs and daily life.

    Lot Details

  • Egyptian Gold Fly Amulet
    Egyptian Gold Fly Amulet
    Late Period, 664-332 B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £780

    Chevron-shaped pendant with incised detailing to the body and wings. 1.76 grams, 17 mm



    From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 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 due to their quick speed, reactions, and persistence. Small fly amulets first appeared in burials during the Naqada II Period, around 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 believed 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 the bravery and fly-like persistence of soldiers in battle.

    Lot Details

  • Phoenician Bronze Stamp Seal
    Phoenician Bronze Stamp Seal
    Late 1st millennium B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £46

    With domed head and pierced rectangular shank, hatched detailing. 5.53 grams, 24.5 mm



    Ex London, UK, gentleman, 1990. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list