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LOT 0518
Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
3/4 in. (1.1 grams, 20 mm).
With linear detailing to body and wings, loop above the neck.
ProvenanceFrom an early 20th century collection.
LiteratureCf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, pp.62-3.
FootnotesSmall 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.
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AUCTIONS:
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Egyptian Hardstone Scarab with Ankh
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Plano-convex in profile with segmented upper face and incised ankh to the underside. 1.05 grams, 13 mm
From the private collection of the late Mrs Belinda Ellison, long time member of the Egyptian Exploration Society, c.1940-2020. -
Phoenicio-Egyptian Dark Green Stone Scarab
Circa 6th-4th century B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
With textured carapace, bull-horned column to the reverse. 3.94 grams, 15 mm
From the property of the late Mr SM, London, UK, 1969-1999.
The very frequent discovery of scarabs in Eastern and Western Phoenician and Punic tombs is the most notable and evident document of the prestige that Egyptian magic had in the Phoenician world. The generalized adoption of the scarab, both in its symbolic language linked to the regenerative form of earthly or otherworldly life and in its function as a seal, identifies the extent of Egyptian influence on the Phoenician culture since its Syro-Palestinian origins. -
Egyptian Faience Bead and Amulet Group
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Comprising mainly blue and green tubular beads with some annular beads and fragmentary amulets, including the head of a hare and a portion of a hedjet crown. 19 grams total, 2-19 mm
From an early 20th century Home Counties, UK, collection.
