Ancient Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet (No reserve price)
06
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14
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€ 1
No reserve price
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 250 - € 330
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Ancient Egyptian silver fly amulet, circa 2nd–1st millennium BC, measuring 1.0 cm wide by 1.6 cm long and weighing 1.05 g, perforated at the head for suspension, in good condition with earthy encrustations; 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. A raised triangular body, incised with linear incisions, is flanked by a rounded wing on either side. Two bulging eyes have been carefully engraved, and the reverse is unadorned. The amulet was perforated through the head for suspension. Some earthy encrustations and tarnishing to the surface, alongside minor signs of wear and scratches consistent with age.
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 1cm x L 1.6cm
Weight: 1.05g
Provenance: Ex UK Collection 1920s-1940s.
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. A raised triangular body, incised with linear incisions, is flanked by a rounded wing on either side. Two bulging eyes have been carefully engraved, and the reverse is unadorned. The amulet was perforated through the head for suspension. Some earthy encrustations and tarnishing to the surface, alongside minor signs of wear and scratches consistent with age.
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 1cm x L 1.6cm
Weight: 1.05g
Provenance: Ex UK Collection 1920s-1940s.
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 Amulet
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
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