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LOT 0468
Egyptian Silver Horus Serekh Amulet
LATE-PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 664-30 B.C.
3/8 in. (0.71 grams, 10 mm).
An element from a necklace in the form of Horus in falcon form sitting atop the palace façade motif (serekh). [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. Aldred, C., Jewels of the Pharaohs: Egyptian Jewellery of the Dynastic Period, London, 1971, pp. 21, 173, fig. 1, for similar elements used on a First Dynasty bracelet; Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, p.61 fig. 66 l, for a faience example dated to the Ptolemaic Period.
FootnotesExamples of this distinctive motif can be traced back to the very beginning of Egyptian history. It represents the recessed niches of royal and religious architecture, and served as a device to contain the Horus name of the king. The most notable example of jewellery incorporating this motif is the elaborate bracelet found in the tomb of King Djer at Abydos, which is composed of alternating turquoise and gold falcon-topped serekhs. Similar examples of this element occur as late as the Ptolemaic Period.
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 Steatite Scarab with Bes
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £120 - 170 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £67
Plano-convex in section with detailed obverse, the underside with the figure of Bes flanked by adoring baboons and sun discs. 10.7 grams, 31 mm
Ex London, UK collection, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Bes became one of ancient Egypt's most popular apotropaic deities from the New Kingdom onwards. Despite his somewhat fearful appearance, Bes was the patron and protector of pregnant women and children and believed to protect the wearer from snakes. The depiction of baboons flanking Bes with their arms raised before the sun disk was a common feature on temple wall reliefs. In ancient Egyptian religious literature, baboons heralded the dawn and, thus, the rebirth of the sun. -
Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet
Late-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
With linear detailing to wings, raised eyes, suspension loop above the head. 1.28 grams, 20 mm
From 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.
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. -
Egyptian Clay Shabti and Babylonian Head Group
Mid 1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Comprising: fragment of a shabti with tripartite wig and arms crossed at the chest, mounted on a custom-made stand; male head from a figurine. 268 grams total, 4.3-16.5 cm including stand
From an old English deceased estate. Property of a London, UK, collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
