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LOT 0539
Egyptian Steatite Scarab Collection
NEW KINGDOM-LATE PERIOD, 1550-332 B.C.
3/8 - 3/4 in. (13.18 grams total, 10-21 mm).
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. [6]
ProvenanceFrom 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)
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 Silver Fly Amulet
Late-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
With detailing to wings and eyes, loop for suspension above the head. 1.05 grams, 17 mm
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.
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. -
Egyptian Coptic Bone Doll's Head
4th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
A carved face and chest from a figurine or doll, with incised eyes, mouth and brow, reserved ears and nose. 7.47 grams, 55 mm
Very fine condition.
Property of a London gentleman; acquired in the 1970s. From the private collection of John Meredith, acquired since the 1990s; thence by descent. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Egyptian Green Glazed Faience Amulet of Nephthys
Late Period, 26th Dynasty, circa 664-525 B.C.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Depicting the goddess Nephthys wearing the two hieroglyphic parts of her name (Neb(et)-Hut), with dorsal pillar and base. 2.68 grams, 37 mm
with B.M.S., Switzerland. Private collection, London, UK, acquired from the above on 14 September 1981. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Nephthys was a protective goddess linked to mourning, magic, and the afterlife. As the sister of Isis, she played a vital role in the funerary rites of Osiris. Amulets like this were placed on the deceased to invoke her protection and aid in rebirth. Typically made of faience or semi-precious stone, they were especially common in the Late Period.
