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LOT 0531
Egyptian Heart Scarab Group
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
3/4 in. (7.5 grams total, 18-20 mm).
Comprising two scarabs with striated wing cases and ribbed underside. [2]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Ben-Tor, D., The Scarab: A Reflection of Ancient Egypt, Tel Aviv, 1993, pp. 76-77, for similar examples.
FootnotesThe scarab amulet was a powerful symbol of rebirth, transformation, and protection in ancient Egypt. Modelled after the beetle linked to the sun god Khepri, it represented the cycle of life and regeneration. Used from the Middle Kingdom (c. 2050 BCE) onwards, scarabs served as funerary amulets, personal charms, and seals—often inscribed with prayers or names—reflecting both spiritual beliefs and daily life.
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
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LOT 0531
Egyptian Heart Scarab Group
Estimate £140 - 180€160 - 210 (for guidance only)$190 - 240 (for guidance only)
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Egyptian Cartonnage Panel with Pectoral
Late Period-Ptolemaic Period, circa 664-30 B.C.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £900
A rectangular cartonnage panel with bands of triangles, teardrops and other motifs in white, red, blue and pale green; winged scarab to the bottom, lower portion of a winged sun disc flanked by uraei to the top; mounted on a custom-made stand. 2.06 kg total, 31.4 cm wide including stand
Ex early 20th century collection, London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13096-249409
This piece was probably part of a set of cartonnage trappings placed on the mummy. -
Egyptian Blue Faiance Bead Necklace with Taweret
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
A restrung designer necklace composed of cylindrical and spherical beads; centrpiece composed of polychrome annular beads flanking a Taweret amulet; modern clasp. 21.2 grams, 37.5 cm
French private collection, formed in the early 20th century. Private collection, London, UK. -
Egyptian Bronze Ibis Attachment
Late Period, 664-332 B.C. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £156
Modelled in the round squatting on an ellipsoid base, lug to the underside, repaired. 114 grams, 60 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
The ibis, particularly the sacred species known as the Egyptian ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus), held a prominent place in ancient Egyptian religion and culture as a manifestation of the god Thoth. Revered as the deity of wisdom, writing, and knowledge, Thoth was often depicted in human form with the head of an ibis. During the Late Period onwards, the practice of mummifying ibises became widespread, leading to the creation of vast necropolises dedicated to these sacred birds. In places like Saqqara and Hermopolis, thousands of ibis mummies have been discovered in specially constructed catacombs. The mummification of these birds was not merely a ritual act; it was seen as a sacred offering to Thoth, meant to honour the god and seek his favour. Egyptians believed that by preserving the ibis through mummification, they could ensure its safe passage to the afterlife, establishing a direct connection between the earthly realm and the divine. These mummies were often accompanied by votive offerings, like this bronze figurine, further emphasising the relationship between the ibises and Thoth.
