Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0544
Egyptian Steatite and Other Scarab Group
MAINLY SECOND INTERMEDIATE PERIOD, CIRCA 1660-1500 B.C.
1/2 - 3/4 in. (8.76 grams total, 12-21 mm).
Designs include: a line border enclosing a decorative symmetrical scroll-work pattern; a line border enclosing a horse with papyrus clumps above and in front; deeply impressed bird and other signs behind; a line border enclosing a nwb (gold) sign flanked by Red Crowns, with a bee above flanked by coiled cobras; a line border enclosing a djed, neb, and sun disc, with narrow neb(?) signs above and below. [5]
Provenance
Acquired on the European art market in the early 2000s.
with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
VETTING:
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
-
Egyptian Faience Crouching Goddess Amulet
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Formed as a nude Aphrodite crouching on a square base, her hands raised to dress her hair; socket to reverse. 9.25 grams, 42 mm
Acquired on the UK art market during the late 20th century. From the private collection of David King (1940-2024), Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Egyptian Faience Standing Lioness Amulet
Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Standing figure of lioness-headed goddess in a striding pose with arms at the sides, sporting a black coloured tripartite wig surmounted by the double-crown; dorsal pillar. 3.96 grams, 56 mm
Acquired on the UK art market during the late 20th century. From the private collection of David King (1940-2024), Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Throughout ancient Egyptian mythology, lion-headed goddesses played a significant role in the religious beliefs of the people. These goddesses, including Sekhmet, Wadjet, and Bastet, were revered as powerful and fierce protectors. Their presence was believed to ward off evil and safeguard the people from harm. -
Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet
Late-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
With linear detailing to wings, raised eyes, pierced for suspension. 0.84 grams, 19 mm
Ex London, UK, art market, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Although flies might seem like mere nuisances—often shown being swatted by pharaohs or officials—ancient Egyptians admired them for their speed, agility, and persistence. Fly-shaped amulets, first appearing in Naqada II burials around 3200 B.C., became especially popular in the New Kingdom. Made from materials like gold, silver, faience, lapis lazuli, and bone, they served apotropaic purposes, protecting against bites and warding off pests. Some may have also symbolised fertility. Gold fly pendants were even awarded by pharaohs to honour soldiers’ bravery and tenacity.