Loading, please wait...
LOT 0518
Egyptian Multi-Stranded Mummy Bead Necklace
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
29 1/8 in. (28.5 grams, 74 cm).
Four-stranded designer necklace composed of polychrome beads of mainly disc and cylindrical types. [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 Museum, 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Egyptian White Stone Scarab with Hieroglyphs
Hyksos Period, 15th Dynasty, circa 1650-1550 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Plano-convex in section with scarab detailing to the upper face; underside featuring a hieroglyphic inscription, including addorsed stylised cobras, right-angled netjer and nefer signs; pierced longitudinally. 1.61 grams, 18 mm
Ex Constable collection, 1990s. Ex P. Morris collection. -
Egyptian Hardstone Headrest Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Carved miniature headrest with rectangular base. 1.14 grams, 12 mm
Ex Constable collection, 1990s. Ex Ancient & Oriental, UK. Ex P. Morris collection. Accompanied by an old photograph and a previous catalogue cutting.
The headrest, or weres amulet, was placed under the mummy's head to protect it from damage, and so ensure their rebirth. Most are made of haematite, though other materials, such as faience, were sometimes used. The headrest’s role is specified in Chapter 166 of the Book of the Dead. By the Late Period, they were attached to or inserted into the mummy wrappings. -
Phoenician Limestone Funerary Mask
Circa 4th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,950
Carved in the half-round with tall nose and chin with false beard dua wer, full lips and wide cheeks, stylised eyes and asymmetrical eyebrows; mounted on a custom-made stand. 1.3 kg total, 19.7 cm including stand
Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the French art market.
