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LOT 0407
Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet
LATE-PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 664-30 B.C.
5/8 in. (0.82 grams, 17 mm).
With linear detailing to the body, raised eyes, pierced through the head for suspension. [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.
FootnotesEgyptian artists often depicted fly whisks with pharaohs and officials, suggesting flies were just nuisances. In reality, Egyptians valued flies for their speed and persistence. Small fly amulets appeared around 3200 B.C. in Naqada II burials, gaining popularity and varying materials during the New Kingdom, including gold, silver, lapis lazuli, carnelian, amethyst, faience, and gemstones. These amulets were thought to protect against insect bites and troublesome creatures via apotropaic magic and possibly symbolised fecundity. Pharaohs awarded gold fly-shaped pendants to honour soldiers' bravery in battle.
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AUCTIONS:
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Egyptian Turquoise Glazed Faience Four Sons of Horus Mount Set
25th Dynasty, circa 747-656 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,200
Set of four flat-backed plaques depicting the standing figures of the four sons of Horus (from left to right: Duamutef, Imsety, Hapy, and Qebehsenuef) in profile, each wearing a tripartite wig, broad collars, and holding a long folded cloth; mounted on a stand. 81 grams total, 95 x 80 mm including stand
Gunther Markert collection, Germany/Switzerland, 1954 or 1961. with Robert Bigler, Switzerland. Private collection, London, UK, acquired from the above on 12 October 2001. Accompanied by a copy of the Robert Bigler invoice. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The Four Sons of Horus were deities tasked with protecting the internal organs of the deceased. The human-headed Imsety safeguarded the liver, the baboon-headed Hapy looked after the lungs, the jackal-headed Duamutef defended the stomach, and the falcon-headed Qebehsenuef protected the intestines. Amulets featuring these deities were included within the mummy wrappings. -
Large Egyptian Amethyst Heart Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
Carved in the round with integral suspension loop. 8.79 grams, 31 mm
From early 20th century Home Counties, UK, collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
According to ancient Egyptian beliefs, the heart (ib) was considered the centre of intelligence, emotions, and behaviour. It was also believed to store an individual's memories. During the Weighing of the Heart ceremony in the afterlife, the heart could speak on behalf of the deceased and account for their lifetime of actions before Osiris. For this reason, heart amulets were placed on the mummy to safeguard the organ and ensure a favourable outcome during judgment. -
Egyptian Blue Glass Bird Inlay
Ptolemaic Period, circa 332-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £624
Modelled in the half-round with low-relief hatched detailing; perching on a D-section base; mounted on a silver support and a wooden display stand. 18 grams total, 55 mm including stand
with Jean-Phillipe Mariaud de Serres, Paris, France. Private collection, London, UK, acquired from the above in 1992. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The falcon inlay possibly symbolises Horus, the god of the sky, war, and protection. Horus was one of the most significant and widely worshipped gods in ancient Egyptian mythology. His importance spans multiple facets of Egyptian religion, including kingship, protection, the sky, and the sun. Depicted in various human and animal forms, Horus played a vital role in Egyptian cosmology, especially as the protector of the Pharaoh and as a representation of divine authority.
