Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0469
Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet
LATE-PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 664-30 B.C.
5/8 in. (1.05 grams, 17 mm).
With detailing to wings and eyes, loop for suspension above the head. [No Reserve]
Provenance
Ex London, UK, gentleman 1980-1990s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Literature
Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, pp.62-3.
Footnotes
Considering that Egyptian artists often depicted fly whisks in the hands of pharaohs and high officials, one might assume that flies were merely a nuisance. However, the Egyptians held flies in high regard for their speed, quick reactions, and persistence. Small fly amulets first appeared in burials during the Naqada II Period, around 3200 B.C. These amulets gained popularity, and the materials used to make them varied during the New Kingdom. They were crafted from various materials such as gold, silver, lapis lazuli, carnelian, amethyst, faience, and bone. These amulets were believed to protect against insect bites and to ward off troublesome flying creatures through apotropaic magic. Some believe they may have even symbolised the fly’s fecundity. Additionally, pharaohs would bestow gold fly-shaped pendants as military awards to honour the bravery and persistence of soldiers in battle.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
RELATED LOTS
-
Large Egyptian Steatite Scarab
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
With a detailed carapace, mouth, and legs; the underside decorated with a line border enclosing a large central sma motif in the upper half, followed by a neb, men, and Khepri beetle hieroglyphs, flanked by rearing cobras. 33.76 grams, 46 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Egyptian Steatite Scarab Collection
New Kingdom-Late Period, 1550-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Designs include: a line border encloses the standing figure of a falcon-headed deity wearing a sun disc and uraeus, standing before the hieroglyphs user, Maat, Re, setep, n, Re); a line border enclosing n, cobra, nefer, and neb signs; a line border enclosing numerous hieroglyphs, including those spelling the throne name of Thutmose III (men-kheper-Re); a falcon; and two plain scarabs. 13.18 grams total, 10-21 mm
From a London collection, 2000s, some previously ex Mustaki collection pre 1950. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The design of the first scarab incorporates Ramesses II’s throne name ‘the justice of Re is powerful, chosen of Re (user-Maat-Re setep-n-Re) -
Egyptian Carnelian Frog Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
Carved in the round, pierced through the body for suspension. 298 grams, 19 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Frog amulets in ancient Egypt symbolised fertility, rebirth, and regeneration. Associated with the goddess Heqet, linked to childbirth and life-giving forces, these amulets were especially popular in contexts related to fertility and protection during pregnancy and childbirth. Their connection to the annual Nile flood, which brought new life to the land, further reinforced their symbolism of renewal and abundance.
