Ancient Egypt New Kingdom, Carnelian Fly Amulet, c1550-1070BC

Description

Heading: Ancient Egypt. New Kingdom. Carnelian Fly Amulet. c1550-1070BC

Material: Semi precious stone. Carnelian (Chalcedony) or possibly Agate    

Period: Ancient Egypt’s New Kingdom 

Date: 1550-1070BC

Origin: Ancient Egypt. North Africa

Condition: Very fine. with deposits

Description: Mineral stone amulet in the form of a fly. pierced at the top for suspension. The anatomical features are outlined by grooves and this is mirrored on the other side. which is unusual.

Size and Weight: 13.5mm x 9mm x 4mm. 0.45g

Features and Provenance: Although the scarab beetle is  the insect most associated with Ancient Egypt the fly (afet) also played a role as a mystical symbol. Amulets in the shape of flies were probably worn in the belief that wearing one would ward off real flies and protect from disease. It has also been suggested that the wearer believed that the amulet might impart some of the persistent nature of the fly. indeed. pharaohs handed out military awards in the shape of flies. They would have been made from metal. semi-precious stones or bone and worn singly or in large numbers on necklaces.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of the artefact and there are grades between

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of pattern etc present. visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of pattern etc present. but may be worn

Fine (F). Wear on the artefact and parts of item and pattern etc may be missing or not visible