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LOT 0483
Egyptian Hardstone Fly Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 A.D.
1/2 in. (0.38 grams, 12 mm).
With linear detailing to body and wings, pierced at the neck. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the H.N. collection, Milton Keynes, Berkshire, UK, 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, pp.62-3.
FootnotesFly amulets were believed to protect against insect bites and ward off flying creatures through apotropaic magic. Additionally, the pharaoh would give gold fly-shaped pendants as military awards to recognise the bravery and persistence of soldiers in battle.
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 Hardstone Architectural Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £125
Amuletic model of a stonemason's plummet. 2.38 grams, 25 mm
with Hotel des Ventes, Drouot, Paris, France. From the collection of Mr H. Naudy, Paris, France. Acquired at between 2004-2010. Property of a French collector.
The stonemason’s plumb bob amulet symbolised integrity, moral uprightness, emotional equilibrium, and balance. -
Egyptian Faience Amulet Group
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
Comprising a resting lioness on a rectangular base and the god Thoth in baboon form. 1.30 grams total, 12-15 mm
From the collection of Doctor Girard, a collector for over 60 years. with Hotel des Ventes de Clermont-Ferrand, 22 May 2017. Property of a French collector.
Throughout ancient Egyptian mythology, lioness goddesses played a significant role in the religious beliefs of the people. These goddesses, including Sekhmet, Bastet, and Wadjet were revered as powerful and fierce protectors. Their presence was believed to ward off evil and safeguard the people from harm. The baboon was an animal manifestation of the god Thoth. Thoth was revered for his association with knowledge, writing, and healing. It is likely that the popularity of Thoth amulets as mummy amulets is linked to his role as the recorder of the final judgment, which determined whether the deceased had lived a life of virtue. -
Egyptian Multi-Stranded Faience Mummy Bead Necklace
Late Period, 664-525 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Composed of polychrome beads of mainly tubular and annular types; modern clasp. 31 grams, 72 cm long
Acquired before 1979. From the private collection of Mr F. A., South Kensington, London, UK; thence by descent 2014.
For thousands of years, artisans in Egypt created vibrant ceramics to echo the beauty of rare jewels. These ornaments were created with almost every material, colour and texture imaginable and they come from across Egypt and beyond: vibrant blue lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, glossy black obsidian from Turkey, and aqua-green turquoise from the Sinai. They were worn in life and, after death, they served as precious ornamentation for mummies.
