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LOT 0418
Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet
LATE-PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 664-30 B.C.
3/4 in. (1.28 grams, 20 mm).
With linear detailing to wings, raised eyes, suspension loop above the head. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom an early 20th century collection.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Cf. 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.
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 Amulet of a Vervet Monkey
Late-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Turquoise-blue faience amulet of a vervet monkey standing with its long arms extended to the hips, supported on an integral base by its tail; suspension loop at the back. 1.52 grams, 27 mm
From a private collection acquired by the previous owner's father in the 1950s. Ex TimesAncient, Bristol, UK. Accompanied by a copy of a previous catalogue entry. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Amulets featuring the vervet monkey were believed to serve as magical sexual aids for the living and the dead, ensuring these benefits in life and the afterlife. -
Egyptian Bronze Figurine of Harpocrates
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £200 - 300 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £90
Modelled in the round depicted in a seated pose with bold sidelock reaching to the shoulder; kilt to the thighs, D-shaped base beneath the feet, socket to the middle of the back; provided with a custom-made display stand. 146 grams, 12.2 cm (202 grams total, 13.7 cm including stand)
with Max Hagemann, prior 1964. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Harpocrates is the Greek rendering of the Egyptian Hor-pa-khered, which translates as 'Horus the Child', referring to Horus as the divine infant of Isis and Osiris. -
Egyptian Blue Glass Bead Bracelet
New Kingdom, circa 1400 B.C. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £221
Mainly blue glass biconvex and spherical beads; with old collector's card erroneously dated 'Ancient Egyptian Necklace. XII Dynasty'. 18 grams, 24 cm long
From a 19th century English collection. Ex Helios Gallery, Worcestershire, UK, 2011. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985. Accompanied by an old handwritten identification card. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
