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LOT 0449
Egyptian Stone Crocodile Amulet
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1 3/4 in. (17.8 grams, 46 mm).
Gently trapezoidal plinth with the finely detailed figure of a crocodile on top. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a UK dealer since the 1970s.
From an old London, UK, collection since circa 1985.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Crocodile amulets represent the god Sobek - a complex Egyptian god embodying both destructive and creative forces. As the god of the Nile, fertility, and water, he played a vital role in agriculture and the land's prosperity. Sobek was revered for his dual nature as a protector and life-giver, particularly in times of war or need. His strength and protective qualities were essential to daily life and the Egyptians’ understanding of the cosmos, leaving a lasting impact on their culture.
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): £85
With detailing to wings and eyes, loop for suspension above the head. 0.91 grams, 20 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 Silver Poppy Amulet Group
Late-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Three pendants each with poppy-head and loop at the apex. 3.22 grams total, 16-18 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.
Amulets 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. -
Egyptian Faience Amulet Representing Nephthys
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Modelled in the round on a small base, wearing columnar headdress, with dorsal pillar pierced behind the elbows. 4.15 grams, 55 mm
Private collection, Carouge, Switzerland, assembled in the 1980s-1990s. Thence by descent to the collection of Mr S.P., since 2020. 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.
