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LOT 0500
Egyptian Silver Poppy Head Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
3/4 in. (1 grams, 17 mm).
With bulb and disc finial, integral shank and gusseted suspension loop. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom an early 20th century collection.
LiteratureCf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, pl.65 (n), for type.
FootnotesAmulets in the form of poppies were used to heal and alleviate pain and to ward off death. These types of amulets were also linked to Osiris, the Egyptian deity of agriculture, death, and the afterlife.
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 with Thoth as Ibis and Maat
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £667
On a wedge-shaped base and decorated in turquoise glaze; the ibis's beak resting on a diminutive figure of the goddess Maat; suspension loop on the neck of the bird; collector's inventory number E509' on the underside; accompanied by a custom-made display base. 22 grams total, 43 mm wide including stand
Ex Reine Margot, 1973. Ex R. Liechti (1934-2010) Geneva, Switzerland, collection between 1950-1990s.
In the judgment of the dead (Book of the Dead saying 125), Thoth, who is often represented in ibis form, records the result of weighing the heart of the deceased. The god is therefore mostly depicted in connection with the goddess Maat, whose feather was used as a counterbalance to the purity of the heart; such amulets were thus aimed at protecting the deceased from failing in the decision of the court of the dead. -
Egyptian Bronze Bes Statuette
Late Period-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Standing on a rectangular base with flared modius type headdress; modelled in the round with tail to the reverse; re-patinated. 21 grams, 37 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.
From the New Kingdom onwards, Bes became one of ancient Egypt's most popular apotropaic deities. Despite his rather fearful appearance, Bes was the patron and protector of pregnant women and children and was also believed to protect them from harmful creatures like snakes. -
Egyptian Faience Beaded Mummy Mask
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Restrung netted beadwork panel of annular and tubular glazed composition beads in blues, greens, black, cream and red-brown colours, depicting a mummy face mask with false beard. 67 grams, 16 cm
Ex Mariaud de Serres, Paris, France, 1990s. From a London, UK, collection.
