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LOT 0513
Egyptian Hardstone Heart Scarab
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1 1/4 in. (16.6 grams, 33 mm).
With stylised geometric ribbed carapace and underside.
ProvenanceFrom an early 20th century collection.
Ex London, UK, gallery.
From a private UK collection
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. Tinius, I., Altägypten in Braunschweig. Die Sammlungen des Herzog Anton Ulrich-Museums und des Städtischen Museums, Wiesbaden, 2011, 179, no. 356, for a scarab with similar body modelling.
FootnotesThe scarab amulet was one of ancient Egypt’s most widespread symbols, signifying rebirth, transformation, and protection. Modelled on the dung beetle associated with the sun god Khepri—believed to roll the sun across the sky—it symbolised the cycle of life and renewal. Widely used from the early Middle Kingdom onwards, scarabs served as funerary amulets (as here), personal charms, and seals, often inscribed with prayers or names. They reflect both spiritual beliefs and daily life in ancient Egypt.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0513
Egyptian Hardstone Heart Scarab
Estimate £500 - 700€580 - 810 (for guidance only)$680 - 950 (for guidance only)
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Egyptian Ring with Button Scarab
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Comprising a bronze D-shaped finger ring, the bezel formed by a faience discoid with a radiating geometric stylised rosette pattern on one side and the other featuring a central nefer sign with sun disc above flanked by two maat feathers. 4.47 grams, 27.51 mm overall, 18.98 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)
Ex London, UK, art market, 1990s. From a private UK collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
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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 for their speed, quick reactions, and persistence. Small fly amulets first appeared in burials during the Naqada II Period, around 3200 B.C. These amulets gained popularity, and the materials used to make them varied during the New Kingdom. They were 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 symbolised the fly’s fecundity. Additionally, pharaohs would bestow gold fly-shaped pendants as military awards to honour the bravery and persistence of soldiers in battle. -
Phoenician Scarab in Bronze Pendant
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Ex London, UK, gentleman 1980-2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
