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Details

LOT 0519

Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet

LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.

3/4 in. (0.98 grams, 18 mm).

Formed as a fly with long triangular segmented wings, segmented body and domed eyes pierced for suspension. [No Reserve]

Provenance

From an early 20th century collection.

Literature

Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, pp.62-3.

Footnotes

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.

CONDITION

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AUCTIONS:

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LOT 0519

Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet

Sold for (Inc. bp): £117

Print page

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