Egyptian Painted Limestone Shabti for Abet-iyiry

Comprising a group of modelled unglazed pottery grooved melon beads some faience. 39.4 grams total, 6-18 mm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.

Formed as a fly with long triangular wings and domed eyes. 0.84 grams, 16 mm



From an early 20th century collection.

Considering Egyptian artists often depicted fly whisks in the hands of pharaohs and high officials, one might assume that flies were simply a nuisance. However, the Egyptians held flies in high regard due to their quick speed, reactions, and persistence. Small fly amulets first appeared in burials during the Naqada II Period, c. 3200 B.C. These amulets grew in popularity, and the materials used to make them expanded during the New Kingdom. They are crafted from various materials such as gold, silver, lapis lazuli, carnelian, amethyst, faience, and bone. These amulets were thought to protect against insect bites and to ward off troublesome flying creatures through apotropaic magic. Some believe they may have even been intended to symbolise the fly’s fecundity. Additionally, pharaohs would bestow gold fly-shaped pendants as military awards to honour soldiers' bravery and fly-like persistence in battle.

Comprising fragmentary amulets including, a wedjat-eye of Horus, Tawaret, a seated Isis, a Tawaret in two parts, and Bes. 27 grams total, 11-31 mm



From an early 20th century Home Counties, UK, collection.