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LOT 2193
Hellenistic Style Silver Snake Decoration
20TH CENTURY A.D. OR EARLIER
6 1/8 in. (170 grams, 15.5 cm).
An unwound bracelet modelled in the round with finely detailed scale texture to the tapering body, head raised; after the antique. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000.
From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
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AUCTIONS:
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Western Asiatic Style Group of Glass Beads
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Mainly spherical types in 10th-14th century style with mosaic and millefiori detailing, applied knops. 69 grams total, 17-29 mm
From the collection of Mr S.M., London, UK, formed from 1969-1999. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Bactrian Style Sodalite Sheep Amulet
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Modelled in the round laying down with the legs tucked beneath the body, and long ears resting along the neck; pierced vertically through the back. 11.4 grams, 34 mm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s. -
Ethiopian Vellum Manuscript of Talismanic Texts
19th-20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
Comprising forty bound leaves written in Amharic, featuring 'spectacle scripts', small drawings of the Christ's passion, Salomon's seal, Moses' snakes and Patriarchal staff, and other drawings of a double-headed serpent; preserved in the original pouch with bindings. 168 grams, 16.3 x 10.5 cm
From a Brighton bookseller, circa 2000. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This particular object is sometimes referred to as a talisman or amulet, and also known as a ketãb (document) or metshaf (book). It was used in Ethiopia by priests and common people, not only intended for reading but also for providing protection. It was worn with a rope around the neck or shoulders of the owner.