Ancient Egyptian Silver Fly Amulet 664-332BC

Description

Heading: Ancient Egyptian silver fly amulet

Material: Silver

Period: Ancient Egypt’s Late Period

Date: 664-332BC

Origin: Ancient Egypt, North Africa

Condition: Very fine

Description: Silver amulet in the form of a fly with triangular wings, pierced through the thorax for suspension. The anatomical features are outlined by grooves with protruding eyes.

Size and Weight: 16mm, 0.84g

Reference: Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, 1994 p62-3

Features and Provenance: Purchased from TimeLine sale, previously from an early 20th century collection.

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