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LOT 0479
Egyptian Light Blue Faience Shabti
PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 332-30 B.C.
2 1/2 in. (10.77 grams, 64 mm).
Mummiform figure with a lappet wig and divine beard. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx private collection, London, UK, 1970s-1990s.
LiteratureCf. Janes, G., The Shabti Collections 6: A Selection from the World Museum, Liverpool, Lymm, 2016, p. 519, no. 273, for fifteen similar examples from Abydos.
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 Basalt Kohl Pot
16th-11th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Carved into the shape of a poppy head with flange rim; old inked collector's number to base '1935.438'. 78 grams, 40 mm
From the estate of a deceased American, acquired between 1970-1989. with Bonhams, London, Knightsbridge, 28 October 2009, no.23 [part].
Cf. Aston, B.G., Ancient Egyptian Stone Vessels: Materials and Forms, SAGA 5, Heidelberg, 1994, pp. 87, 148 (Type 164), for similar examples. -
Egyptian Faience Amulet Group
New Kingdom-Ptolemaic Period, 1550-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Comprising a large standing Bes statuette on a rectangular base and a smaller Bes pierced for suspension; four scarabs with detailing to the upper face and incised signs and motifs on the underside; a tear-shaped bunch of grapes with a broken suspension loop; a lozenge-shaped pierced for suspension. 11 grams total, 9-38 mm
From the Walter Thomas Gaze Cooper (1895-1980) collection; thence by descent. -
Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
With detailing to wings and eyes, loop for suspension above the head. 2.15 grams, 24 mm
From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman, 1990s.
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 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.
