Description
Heading: Ancient Egyptian, New Kingdom, Carnelian Fly Amulet, c1550-1070BC
Material: Semi precious stone, Carnelian (Chalcedony)
Period: Ancient Egypt’s New Kingdom
Date: 1550-1070BC
Origin: Ancient Egypt, North Africa
Condition: Very fine
Description: Mineral stone amulet in the form of a fly, pierced through the eye for suspension. The anatomical features are outlined by grooves with protruding eyes.
Size and Weight: 14mm. 0.52g
Features and Provenance: Purchased from the Ancient Art Group, London, previously from a private UK based collection formed in the 1920 to 40’s.
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 a 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
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