Phoenician Glass Eye Bead Fragments

A fragmentary rectangular-section figure of a kneeling goddess with outstretched wings; accurate detailing to the goddess, wearing a tripartite wig with a seshed headband tied at the back, a menat broad collar and a tightly wrapped sheath held up by two straps leaving the breasts exposed, the dress decorated with a lozenge pattern possibly representing beadwork. 15.3 grams, 54 mm



Swiss private collection, 1970s. Galerie Nefer, Zurich, early 1990s. with Christie's New York, 9 December 2008, no.39. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12843-241338. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Although it is not possible to spot holes in the upper and lower edges, this figure was probably a pectoral or chest ornament with an apotropaic function that would have been attached to the wrapping of the mummy.

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.

Modelled in the round in crouching position with its ears pulled back and resting along the body, black detailing to the eyes. 25 grams, 44 mm



Private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The desert hare was one of the most common wild animals in Egypt. The female hare was sacred to Wenut, goddess of the 15th Upper Egyptian nome, though no specific hare cults are known. The purpose of hare figurines remains uncertain. According to Plutarch, Egyptians regarded the hare’s speed and keen senses—reflected in its open eyes—as divine.