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LOT 0527
Egyptian Hardstone Headrest Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1/2 in. (1.14 grams, 12 mm).
Carved miniature headrest with rectangular base. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx Constable collection, 1990s.
Ex Ancient & Oriental, UK.
Ex P. Morris collection.
Accompanied by an old photograph and a previous catalogue cutting.
Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, p. 94, fig. 95d, for a similar example.
FootnotesThe headrest, or weres amulet, was placed under the mummy's head to protect it from damage, and so ensure their rebirth. Most are made of haematite, though other materials, such as faience, were sometimes used. The headrest’s role is specified in Chapter 166 of the Book of the Dead. By the Late Period, they were attached to or inserted into the mummy wrappings.
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 Painted Wooden Mummy Mask
Ptolemaic Period, circa 3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,900
D-shaped in plan with carved facial detailing, thick nose and full lips; painted bands to the brow, pierced in three places for attachment. 1.04 kg, 30 cm
Swiss private collection, Zurich, assembled in the 1950s. Private collection. Acquired on the Zurich art market in 2013. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12847-241680.
The cartonnage mask from the Ptolemaic Period (305-30 BC) was a funerary covering made of wood or layers of papyrus/linen and plaster, modelled and painted, which covered the face of the mummy, often gilded, decorated with coloured glass and stones, and depicted the deceased with an idealized face and golden skin to protect him and guarantee him rebirth as a deity in the afterlife, combining Egyptian tradition with Graeco-Roman influences. -
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Egyptian Faience Menat Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Amuletic pendant formed as keyhole-shaped plaque with decorative column to one face, ribbed suspension loop to the top. 1.52 grams, 25 mm
Ex early 20th century collection, London, UK.
The menat was a counterpoise that hung at the back of a heavy ornamental collar and was closely associated with the goddess Hathor. Amulets representing the counterpoise were thought to bring good luck, protect against evil spirits, and safeguard the wearer in the afterlife. Their Hathoric connection symbolised fertility and good health for women while representing virility for men. -
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Egyptian Carnelian Scarab Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Carved in the round scarab with longitudinal piercing. 0.40 grams, 8.5 mm
Ex Belinda Elliston collection, 20th century.
