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LOT 0472
Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
5/8 in. (1.07 grams, 16 mm).
D-shaped in section with two triangular wings and robbed body with pellet eyes. [No Reserve]
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 Necklace with Fly Beads
New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, 1550-1350 B.C. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £1,430
Group of restrung annular turquoise beads with gilt-metal interstitial collars and carnelian fly amulets; S-hook and eye closure; with custom display box. 10.45 grams, 48.5 cm long
Ex Swiss collection, kept in London since the 1980s. Accompanied by a copy of a previous illustrated catalogue page.
Since 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, including gold, silver, lapis lazuli, carnelian, amethyst, faience, and bone. Fly amulets were believed to protect against insect bites and to ward off troublesome airborne 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 Faience Mummy Bead Mask
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
A beadwork panel of small glazed composition beads in various colours representing a mummy face mask, with false beard with netted border; restrung with some later beads. 30.8 grams, 12 cm
Mariaud de Serres, Paris, 1990s. -
Egyptian Silver Hathor Head Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
A finely detailed head of the goddess Hathor with a human face, divine beard, and cow ears, with a ribbed suspension loop on top. 0.68 grams, 11 mm
From an early 20th century collection.
