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LOT 0418
Phoenician Alabaster Spindle Whorl
1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
1 1/4 in. (16.52 grams, 32 mm).
Plano-convex in section with stepped profile to dome and underside. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound in Lebanon before 1980.
From the private collection of Kenneth Machin (1936-2020), Buckinghamshire, UK; his collection of antiquities and natural history was formed since 1948; 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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Egyptian Carnelian Amulet Group
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Comprising a poppy head amulet, a stylised head amulet, and a seated figure amulet. 1.42 grams total, 8-16 mm
From an Israeli collection, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet
Late-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
With detailing to wings and eyes, loop for suspension above the head. 2 grams, 24 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. -
Phoenician Bronze Scaraboid Stamp Seal
6th-4th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
With wire carrier loop and intaglio geometric motif to underside. 4.67 grams, 16 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.
