Egyptian Hardstone Scarab with Ankh

Formed as a fly with long triangular wings and domed eyes. 0.84 grams, 16 mm



From an early 20th century collection.

Considering Egyptian artists often depicted fly whisks in the hands of pharaohs and high officials, one might assume that flies were simply 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, 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 various 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 soldiers' bravery and fly-like persistence in battle.

Modelled in the round as a perching falcon on a rectangular base and wearing the double-crown; loop to rear of head. 12.5 grams, 54 mm



From an old Suffolk, UK, collection. Acquired in the UK before 1980. From the personal collection of Derek Rogers, Suffolk, UK.

The falcon amulet was a symbol of Horus, the god of the sky, war, and protection.

Comprising monochrome glossy photographs with printed caption to the reverse: 'Tutankhamun's Funerary Couch. The divine cow in the final stages of wrapping, being embraced by Mr. T.G.H. James, Assistant Keeper of the British Museum'; 'The six stages in the packing of the gilded wooden statue of Tutankhamun; one of a pair that stood sentinel at the entrance to the inner chamber'; 'Colin Ashby of Walford Wingate Forwarders Ltd in the course of packing the major item in the Tutankhamun collection at the Cairo Museum. The funerary mask from Tutankhamun's mummy is made of beaten gold and is the finest ever found.' (Colour photo); 'The funerary mask from Tutankhamun's mummy made of beaten gold and the finest ever found. (Please credit the Cairo Museum)'; 'Part of the carefully-packed contents of Tutankhamun's tomb at London Airport on arrival from Cairo. Lt.Col. E.C. Easter MBE, Chairman of Walford Wingate Forwarders Ltd. the company responsible for the entire packing and surface transportation operation, supervises the off-loading of part of the world's most fabulous treasure.' (2 photographs); 'Never has B.O.A.C.'s slogan been more assuring. the innocent looking cargo being unloaded at London Airport is part of a priceless consignment from Cairo for the forthcoming exhibition of the contents of Tutankhamun's tomb to be held at the British Museum. Flown in by the R.A.F. and B.O.A.C. under British Government indemnity, the world's greatest treasure trove was packed and handled by Walford Wingate Forwarders Ltd.'; 'Tutankhamun's Funerary Couch. Preliminary inspection of Tutankhamun's funerary couch by Messrs Ashby and Burnett of Walford Wingate Forwarders Ltd.'; 'Tutankhamun's Funerary Couch. One of the divine cows separated from the couch in the early stages of wrapping'. 102 grams total, 25.2 x 17.7 - 25.3 x 20.4 cm



Property of a Cambridgeshire, UK, gentleman.