Ancient Egypt, New Kingdom Silver Poppy Amulet Pair






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Pair of ancient Egyptian silver poppy amulets from the New Kingdom (circa 1550–1070 BC), in good condition, with cylindrical necks, spherical bodies on round bases, some encrustations and wear, authenticity original/official, provenance from a UK collection and acquired in 1990, with the previous owner dating to 1920.
Description from the seller
A fine pair of ancient Egyptian silver amulets in the shape of a poppy head. The amulets feature a long cylindrical neck, topped with a loop for suspension. The body of the amulets is spherical in shape and seated on a round, flat base. Some encrustations and tarnishing to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with their age, such as scratches and indentations. The larger amulet has a small crack near the base.
Poppy or thistle amulets were representative of healing and the removal of pain. Thistles were common all over Egypt, but especially around the Nile. It is thought that they were peeled and boiled before consumption, with the thistle used in some parts of the world as a herbal treatment for hepatic disorders. If, on the other hand, the amulet is intended to represent a poppy, the piece retains symbolic significance. Indeed, there is evidence for the extraction of morphine from poppies in the ancient world.
Measurements: (circa) Amulet 1: H 1.6cm x W 0.6cm; Amulet 2: H 1.5cm x W 0.5cm;
Weight (pair): 1.69g
Provenance: From a UK collection, 1920's-1940's.
Seller's Story
A fine pair of ancient Egyptian silver amulets in the shape of a poppy head. The amulets feature a long cylindrical neck, topped with a loop for suspension. The body of the amulets is spherical in shape and seated on a round, flat base. Some encrustations and tarnishing to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with their age, such as scratches and indentations. The larger amulet has a small crack near the base.
Poppy or thistle amulets were representative of healing and the removal of pain. Thistles were common all over Egypt, but especially around the Nile. It is thought that they were peeled and boiled before consumption, with the thistle used in some parts of the world as a herbal treatment for hepatic disorders. If, on the other hand, the amulet is intended to represent a poppy, the piece retains symbolic significance. Indeed, there is evidence for the extraction of morphine from poppies in the ancient world.
Measurements: (circa) Amulet 1: H 1.6cm x W 0.6cm; Amulet 2: H 1.5cm x W 0.5cm;
Weight (pair): 1.69g
Provenance: From a UK collection, 1920's-1940's.
Seller's Story
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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.
