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LOT 0453
Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
5/8 in. (1.13 grams, 16 mm).
Pendant formed as a fly with domed eyes.
ProvenanceFrom an early 20th century collection.
FootnotesConsidering 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 were made from various materials, including gold, silver, lapis lazuli, carnelian, amethyst, faience, and bone. They were believed to protect against insect bites and ward off flying creatures through apotropaic magic. Additionally, the pharaoh would give gold fly-shaped pendants as military awards to recognise the bravery and persistence of soldiers in battle.
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 Mummy Bead Necklace
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Restrung group of mainly tubular beads with centrepiece a fragment of the extended wing from a pectoral. 11.9 grams, 94 cm long
From an old English deceased estate. Acquired on the London art market in the early 1990s. Property of a London, UK, collector. -
Egyptian Faience Mummy Bead Necklace with Papyrus Flower Amulets
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Restrung group of mainly tubular beads with five faience papyrus-flower pendants. 25 grams, 102 cm long
From an old English deceased estate. Acquired on the London art market in the early 1990s. Property of a London, UK, collector. -
Egyptian Marble Head of a Queen
Ptolemaic Period, 323-30 B.C.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,250
Modelled in the half-round with a stephane and centre-parted hair, serene facial features including hooded eyes and pert lips; mounted on a custom-made wooden display stand. 313 grams total, 10 cm high (14.3 cm high including stand)
Ex Hanna Saba collection, Ambassador to Egypt-USA-France (1909-1992). Private European collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12083-218194.
