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LOT 0442
Egyptian Hardstone Menat Amulet Group
PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 332-30 B.C.
3/4 - 7/8 in. (5.38 grams total, 20-22 mm).
Lapis lazuli, carnelian, and schist (?) menat amulets, each with a distinctive keyhole shape and broad ribbed bale. [3, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a private collection acquired by the previous owner's father in the 1950s.
Ex TimesAncient, Bristol, UK.
Accompanied by a copy of a previous catalogue entry.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Cf. Reisner, G.A., Catalogue général des antiquités égyptiennes du Musée du Caire, Nos.12528-13595, Vol. II, Amulets, Cairo, 1958, pls. V and XXIV, nos. 12701 and 12694, for type.
FootnotesThe 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.
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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Egypto-Phoenician Lapis Lazuli Scarab with Cartouche for Thutmose III
Late 1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,250
With carapace detailing to obverse, plaque with intaglio cartouche for the throne name of Thutmose III men-kheper-Re, winged scarab at one end and a central floral motif flanked by cornucopia at the other end. 7.4 grams, 25 mm
Private collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, 1990s, thence by descent. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12127-211877. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Egyptian Carnelian Fly Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Carved with simple body and eye detailing and polished; drilled through the eyes for suspension. 0.41 grams, 13 mm
From an early 20th century collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Small fly amulets first appeared in burials during the Naqada II Period, c. 3200 B.C. These amulets grew in popularity and the materials used to make them expanded during the New Kingdom. They are crafted from a variety of materials such as gold, silver, lapis lazuli, carnelian, amethyst, faience, and bone. These amulets were thought 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. -
Egyptian Faience Beads and Other Fragments
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Including seed and tubular beads, and other items. 27 grams total, 1-10 mm
From an old English collection. Acquired from Brigantia, York, 1990s. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
