Ancient Egyptian Silver Fly Amlet (No reserve price)

14
days
08
hours
04
minutes
14
seconds
Current bid
€ 1
No reserve price
11 other people are watching this object
ESBidder 9267
€1

Catawiki Buyer Protection

Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details

Trustpilot 4.4 | 128017 reviews

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.

An Ancient Egyptian silver fly amulet dating to circa 2nd–1st millennium BC, with open wings, dimensions 1.3 cm wide by 2.2 cm long and weighing 1.80 g, perforated for suspension, in good condition, acquired in 2000 from a private collection with provenance Ex UK Collection 1920s–1940s.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

An Ancient Egyptian silver amulet in the form of a fly with its wings open. The body of the fly is triangular in shape with a rounded wing on each side. The anatomical details of the insect are carefully outlined, including two bulging eyes, and linear incisions on the body and wings. The reverse is flat and unadorned. The amulet has been perforated twice through the head for suspension. Earthy encrustations and tarnishing to the surface. Minor chipping to one of the perforation holes to one side. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as minor scratches and tarnishing.

The purpose of such fly amulets is uncertain; scholars have different hypotheses regarding this symbol. Some believe it was awarded for military achievement because of the fly’s resemblance to enemies’ persistence at war and also because of the fly’s tendency to hang around battlefields where blood was shed. Others do not agree entirely with this thesis as samples of fly amulets have been found in women’s and butlers’ tombs, individuals not active in war. One other possible intention of this amulet was to bestow the notorious fecundity of the fly to the wearer. However uncertain the significance of this symbol is, the fly also appears in many ancient neighbouring cultures.

Measurements: W 1.3cm x L 2.2cm
Weight: 1.80g

Provenance: Ex UK Collection 1920s-1940s.



Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as an analysis of metals(XRF-test) have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.

Seller's Story

N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE. ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price. Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees. Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images. The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.

An Ancient Egyptian silver amulet in the form of a fly with its wings open. The body of the fly is triangular in shape with a rounded wing on each side. The anatomical details of the insect are carefully outlined, including two bulging eyes, and linear incisions on the body and wings. The reverse is flat and unadorned. The amulet has been perforated twice through the head for suspension. Earthy encrustations and tarnishing to the surface. Minor chipping to one of the perforation holes to one side. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as minor scratches and tarnishing.

The purpose of such fly amulets is uncertain; scholars have different hypotheses regarding this symbol. Some believe it was awarded for military achievement because of the fly’s resemblance to enemies’ persistence at war and also because of the fly’s tendency to hang around battlefields where blood was shed. Others do not agree entirely with this thesis as samples of fly amulets have been found in women’s and butlers’ tombs, individuals not active in war. One other possible intention of this amulet was to bestow the notorious fecundity of the fly to the wearer. However uncertain the significance of this symbol is, the fly also appears in many ancient neighbouring cultures.

Measurements: W 1.3cm x L 2.2cm
Weight: 1.80g

Provenance: Ex UK Collection 1920s-1940s.



Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as an analysis of metals(XRF-test) have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.

Seller's Story

N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE. ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price. Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees. Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images. The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.

Details

Culture
Ancient Egyptian
Century/timeframe
Circa 2nd-1st Millennium BC
Name of object
Fly Amlet
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2000
Material
Silver
Country acquired from
Unknown
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1920
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
United KingdomVerified
8848
Objects sold
100%
protop

Disclaimer

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

Similar objects

For you in

Archaeology