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Peter Reynaers

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 horizontally through the head for suspension. Earthy encrustations and tarnishing to the surface. 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, from Nubia to Cyprus.

Measurements: (circa) L 2.1cm x W 1.3cm
Weight: 1.80g

Provenance: Ex UK Collection 1920s-1940s.

Archaeology

Ancient Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet  (No Reserve Price)

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Thursday

10 May

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Location

United Kingdom

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Size

XS (under 10 cm)

S (10–40 cm)

M (40–80 cm)

L (over 80 cm)

Dimensions

Height

Width

Depth

Object

Ring

Ancient artwork

Raw mineral

Pendant

Ancient tools

Vase

Ancient jewellery and beads

Cameo

Coin pendant

Arrow head

Carved mineral

Sea shell

Statue

Diorama

Ancient seals and stamps

Amulet

Figure

Sculpture

Taxidermy replica mount

Amber

Intaglio

Cross

Country of origin

Europe

Unknown

Netherlands

Egypt

Thailand

Asia

Cambodia

Hungary

China

Canada

Laos

Sweden

Myanmar/Burma

Madagascar

Vietnam

Material

Bronze

Terracotta

Silver

Pottery

Glass

Faience

Ceramic

Gold

Flint

Lead

Iron

Stone

Earthenware

Marble

Alabaster

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Gender

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Condition

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Very good condition - slightly used with small signs of wear

Good condition - used with some signs of wear

Fair

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Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes

Excellent condition - barely used with minimal signs of wear

Natural

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As new - unused

Fair condition -  heavily used & with possibly minor parts missing

Enhanced

Very good condition, see description

Minor damage

Good condition, used with some signs of wear

Reasonable

Period

1850-1900

1990-2000

1800-1850

1970-1980

Tang Dynasty (618-907)

Neogene, Miocene (23.03 - 5.33 million years)

Paleogene, Eocene (56 - 33.9 million years)

Cretaceous, Lower (145 - 100.5 million years)

Five Dynasties (907-960)

1960-1970

Quaternary, Pleistocene (2.58 - 0.0117 million years)

Jurassic, Upper (163.5 - 145 million years)

Devonian (419.2 - 358.9 million years)

1400-1450

1450-1500

1550-1600

1650-1700

2010-2020

2023

Turquoise

Certification

No laboratory report

Non-CITES species

CITES Appendix II - Annex B in the EU

Style

Ancient Roman

Ancient Egyptian

Medieval, Crusaders Era

Bronze Age

Viking Era

Ancient Greek

Ancient Roman, Empire

Byzantine

Etruscan

Ancient Egypt, Late Period

Medieval

Western Asiatic

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Ancient Chinese

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Archaeology

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Ancient Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet (No Reserve Price)

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