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LOT 0500
Egyptian Red Jasper Bird Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1/2 in. (1.35 grams, 13 mm).
The seated figure of a duck(?), its small carefully rendered head with internally detailed eyes; a transverse suspension hole through its folded wings. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, p.61, pl.60b, for a duck amulet, considered to represent a food offering or a symbol of resurrection.
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 Silver Fly Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
D-shaped in section with two triangular wings and robbed body with pellet eyes. 1.07 grams, 16 mm
From an early 20th century collection.
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 a variety of 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 the bravery and fly-like persistence of soldiers in battle. -
Egyptian Mixed Amulet Group
Mainly Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £241
Various amulets, including a seated lion-headed deity and a striding figure of Amun, three faience wedjat eyes, a diminutive faience scarab, and other items. 9.6 grams total, 6-34 mm
From the private collection of the late Mrs Belinda Ellison, a long time member of the Egyptian Exploration Society, c.1940-2020. -
Egyptian Multi-Stranded Faience Mummy Bead Necklace
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Multi-stranded designer necklace composed of beads of mainly annular and tubular types. 23 grams, 78 cm
Acquired before 1979. From the private collection of Mr F.A., South Kensington, London, UK; thence by descent 2014.
For 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.
