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LOT 0469
Egyptian Multi-Stranded Faience Mummy Bead Necklace
LATE PERIOD, 664-525 B.C.
28 3/8 in. (31 grams, 72 cm long).
Composed of polychrome beads in shades of brown annular shapes; modern clasp. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired before 1979.
From the private collection of Mr F. A., South Kensington, London, UK; thence by descent 2014.
Cf. similar specimens in faience at the Worcester Art Gallery, inventory no.1925.539.
FootnotesFor thousands of years, artisans in Egypt created vibrant ceramics to echo the beauty of rare jewels. These ornaments were created with almost every material, colour and texture imaginable and they come from across Egypt and beyond: vibrant blue lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, glossy black obsidian from Turkey, and aqua-green turquoise from the Sinai. They were worn in life and, after death, they served as precious ornamentation for mummies.
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 Faience Sistrum Fragment with Hathor Head
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Pale blue-green bifacial bust of Hathor with D-shaped face, characteristic banded hair with curled ends, cow's ears, broad collar of radiating segments; circular attachment point beneath for handle. 44.4 grams, 50 mm
Acquired in the 1970s. European private collection.
This fragment is the central element of a highly decorative sistrum. The sistrum was a rattle-like instrument played exclusively by women in religious ceremonies. The sound produced by the sistrum was believed to drive away evil and soothe a god's anger. Hathor is the daughter of the sun god Re, and in her role as a mother goddess is often depicted as a cow or with bovine characteristics as here. Hathor is also associated with love, music and dancing, and the sistrum is one of her sacred symbols. -
Egyptian Bead Panel with Four Sons of Horus and Winged Scarab
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Restrung as an openwork panel with a winged scarab above and the four sons of Horus below as two opposing pairs. 46 grams, 12.5 cm high
Previously on French art market in the 1990s. Ex London, UK, collection.
The Four Sons of Horus were deities responsible for protecting the internal organs of the deceased. The human-headed Imsety protected the liver, the baboon-headed Hapy protected the lungs, the jackal-headed Duamutef protected the stomach, and the falcon-headed Qebehsenuef protected the intestines. -
Egyptian Gold Bes Amulet
Late New Kingdom-Third Intermediate Period, 1070-900 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,235
Mask of Bes with tall plumed headdress, vertical bar to the reverse. 3.6 grams, 18 mm
From an early 20th century French collection.
Bes became one of ancient Egypt's most popular apotropaic deities from the New Kingdom onwards. Despite his rather fearful appearance, Bes was the patron and protector of pregnant women and children. He was also believed to provide protection from snakes.
