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LOT 0441
Egyptian Ptolemaic Alabaster Amulet with Locust
1ST CENTURY B.C.
1 1/8 in. (4.45 grams, 30 mm).
Translucent disc with an engraved locust with anatomical detailing, pierced through the upper edge. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
LiteratureCf. for iconographic parallels in Egyptian art, Diab, A.M., ‘Iconographic Representations of Grasshopper in Ancient Egyptian Wilderness’ in Journal of the Faculty of Tourism and Hotels-University of Sadat City, Vol. 5, Issue (2/2), December 2021, p.128, figs.23,25.
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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LOT 0441
Egyptian Ptolemaic Alabaster Amulet with Locust
Estimate £150 - 200€170 - 230 (for guidance only)$200 - 270 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£5 (EUR 6; USD 7) +BP*
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Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
With detailing to the body and head, ribbed suspension loop above the head. 0.94 grams, 19 mm
Ex London, UK, gentleman, 1990s.
Fly 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. -
Egyptian Faience Amuletic Bes Plaque
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £750
Oval plaque with ribbed outer edge, central depiction of the typically grimacing face of Bes wearing a feathered headdress. 23.8 grams, 52 mm
From an early 20th century collection.
From the New Kingdom onward, Bes became one of ancient Egypt's most popular apotropaic deities. Despite his somewhat fearsome appearance, Bes served as the patron and protector of pregnant women and children and was also believed to shield them from snakes. -
Egyptian Faience Mummy Bead Panel with Four Sons of Horus
Ptolemaic Period, circa 332-30 B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Openwork beaded panel depicting a winged scarab with the Four Sons of Horus, Hapy, Imsety, Qebehsenuef, and Duamutef below; restrung. 22.9 grams, 11.3 cm wide
Ex Mariaud de Serres collection, Paris, France, 1980s-1990s. Accompanied by a previously illustrated catalogue card with provenance.
Winged scarabs were often used as funerary amulets and believed to symbolise the deceased's rebirth and regeneration. The Four Sons of Horus were deities responsible for protecting the deceased's internal organs. Here, on the left, is the baboon-headed Hapy, protector of the lungs, then the human-headed Imsety, protector of the liver, followed by the falcon-headed Qebehsenuef, who protected the intestines and, finally, the erect-eared jackal-headed Duamutef on the right, who protected the stomach.
