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LOT 0431
Egyptian Jasper Fly Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1/2 in. (0.88 grams, 14 mm).
Carved in the round resting on an oval base, striated body; pierced longitudinally.
ProvenanceEx London and Home Counties collection, UK, 1920-1940.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Egyptian artists often depicted fly whisks with pharaohs and officials, suggesting flies were just nuisances. In reality, Egyptians valued flies for their speed and persistence. Small fly amulets appeared around 3200 B.C. in Naqada II burials, gaining popularity and varying materials during the New Kingdom, including gold, silver, lapis lazuli, carnelian, amethyst, faience, and gemstones. These amulets were thought to protect against insect bites and troublesome creatures via apotropaic magic and possibly symbolised fecundity. Pharaohs awarded gold fly-shaped pendants to honour soldiers' bravery in battle.
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 Bronze Ibis Attachment
Late Period, 664-332 B.C. or laterEstimate: £180 - 240 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £90
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. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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. -
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Egyptian Bronze Offering Table with Ramesses II Cartouche
New Kingdom, circa 13th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,755
Hollow-formed representation of a cartouche featuring a figure of a kneeling offerant at one end; the cartouche inlaid with a panel incised with Setepenre Usermaatre and hieroglyphic text, along with two attachment holes on the underside. 118 grams, 78 mm
Acquired on the German art market, 1989-1995. with The Museum Gallery, 19 Bury Place, London, WC1, UK, 1998-2003. Property of a London based academic, 2003 to present. 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.
This type of object seems to have served as a symbolic offering. Its resemblance to the primary element of an incense burner may imply a ritual connection. -
Egyptian Mixed Scarab Collection
Mostly Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Comprising: three faience scarabs with detailed bodies and hieroglyphs on the underside; one carnelian scarab with plain base; one scaraboid with hieroglyphs to the underside. 22.75 grams total, 15-28 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
