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I hadn't added anything to my antiquities collection since July, but a couple of new artifacts arrived the other day from the UK. Here are some photos of one of them. It's a common type that I've wanted for a long time, but for whatever reason I'd never come across one before that appealed to me as much as this one. I'm tempted to see if it fits on my keychain so I can carry it around. It probably wouldn't fit too many locks these days, though.

From the dealer's description:

"Roman bronze key. A particularly nice Roman bronze key of good size and with a nice patina including some red cuprite"; decorations on one side consisting of incised lines. 65mm long. Roman, circa 2nd-4th century AD. Purchased from Dr. Bron Lipkin, www.collector-antiquities.com, London, UK, Nov. 2022; ex. H. Vincent McCarthy, Southampton/Bournemouth, UK, 1987.

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Dealer's photo

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Edited by DonnaML
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2 hours ago, DonnaML said:

I hadn't added anything to my antiquities collection since July, but a couple of new artifacts arrived the other day from the UK. Here are some photos of one of them. It's a common type that I've wanted for a long time, but for whatever reason I'd never come across one before that appealed to me as much as this one. I'm tempted to see if it fits on my keychain so I can carry it around. It probably wouldn't fit too many locks these days, though.

From the dealer's description:

"Roman bronze key. A particularly nice Roman bronze key of good size and with a nice patina including some red cuprite"; decorations on one side consisting of incised lines. 65mm long. Roman, circa 2nd-4th century AD. Purchased from Dr. Bron Lipkin, www.collector-antiquities.com, London, UK, Nov. 2022; ex. H. Vincent McCarthy, Southampton/Bournemouth, UK, 1987.

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image.jpeg.0b9a24962ab922c0be482b26dda2a621.jpeg

image.jpeg.445a04b7c6b2e157ab230e3b4c46c558.jpeg

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Dealer's photo

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A number of years ago I kept a Gordian antoninianus on my key chain. One day I realized all I had left was an empty, dangling chain. Be careful. Maybe someday a future archeologist will find it and speculate that the Romans were here in New England!

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1 hour ago, Octavius said:

A number of years ago I kept a Gordian antoninianus on my key chain. One day I realized all I had left was an empty, dangling chain. Be careful. Maybe someday a future archeologist will find it and speculate that the Romans were here in New England!

Don't worry; I wasn't really being serious! I have no intention of keeping it in my coat pocket with the rest of my keys.

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Here is the second newly-purchased artifact that arrived the other day:

Steatite scarab, Ancient Egypt, depicting winged sphinx or griffin walking left (see accompanying plasticene impression), intact, 17 mm. From dealer’s description: “This is an unusual motif for Egyptian scarabs and is no doubt borrowed from Mesopotamian iconography.” Date: either Second Intermediate Period (ca. 1600 BCE) or Late Period (26th Dynasty, ca.  664–525 BCE).* Purchased from Dr. Bron Lipkin, www.collector-antiquities.com, London, UK, Nov. 2022; ex. Julian Bird, London, UK, 2009.

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Dealer’s photo:

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*The dealer suggests that the top of this scarab resembles scarabs from the Second Intermediate Period. However, he also cites, as a scarab with a very similar design on the bottom, Scarab No. 835 illustrated and described in Flinders Petrie, Buttons and Design Scarabs, Illustrated by the Egyptian Collection in University College, London (London 1925) (“Petrie 1925”) at p. 23 and Pl. XIII. Petrie definitively ascribes No. 835 to the Late Period, noting that representations of sphinxes with wings are “a later idea”:

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In addition, a 1931 reference in an Oriental Institute publication to Scarab No. 835, available in snippet view on Google Books, draws a comparison between the concept of the griffin and the representation of winged sphinxes on “late Egyptian scarabs”:  

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(I have now found the actual OIC journal online, and the correct publication date should be 1931, not 1930; see my next post.)

Finally, as currently described in UCL’s online collection, Scarab No. 835 from Petrie 1925 is still ascribed to the Late Period. See UCL Culture Collections Online at https://collections.ucl.ac.uk/Details/collect/18326:

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Perhaps our resident scarab expert, @antwerpen2306, can share any opinion he might have on the question of my new scarab's probable date. In addition, all thoughts are welcome on the possible identification of the oblong object directly in front of the winged sphinx or griffin. (Note the smaller oblong object in front of the winged sphinx on Scarab No. 835 from Petrie 1925.)

 

 

 

 

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For the record, here is the full reference to Petrie 1925 Scarab No. 835 in the 1931 Oriental Institute publication: W.E. Staples, “An Inscribed Scaraboid from Megiddo,” pp. 49-68 at p. 53 fn. 2, in Oriental Institute Communications 9, New Light from Armageddon: Second Provisional Report (1927–29) on the Excavations at Megiddo in Palestine (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1931) (available at https://oi.uchicago.edu/sites/oi.uchicago.edu/files/uploads/shared/docs/oic9.pdf ).

 

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Whether my scarab was intended to represent a winged sphinx or a griffin or an amalgamation of the two, unless someone knows of a very good reason to date it to the Second Intermediate Period, it seems to me that it's sufficiently similar to the Petrie example, and to other examples of winged sphinx scarabs -- uniformly attributed to the Late Period -- that it should be assigned to the Late Period as well.

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The two scarabs I purchased at the most recent CNG e-auction, no. 528, have arrived. CNG has confirmed to me that the statement in the descriptions of both scarabs (and the descriptions of many other scarabs in this auction) that they were sold "for the benefit" of the ANS doesn't mean that they were ever owned by the ANS. Rather, they were sold by a collector who is "a friend of the ANS and wanted the organization to benefit financially from the collection."

1. Steatite scarab with uraeus, goose, and scarab. Lower Egypt. Hyskos Period. 1650-1550 BC. (13 mm) Scarab with central bidirectional piercing for suspension. The back is simply defined, with only the head and small indication that the wing cases are present. On the face, the name r' n' k' (Nekare – Hyksos king). Below, an ureaus, goose and the scarab r', suggesting (Son of Re). Old Collector's notes present. Purchased at Classical Numismatic Group LLC (CNG) E-Auction 528, 30 Nov. 2022, Lot 741.

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The old collector's note that came with the scarab, typed on both sides of an index card:

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2. Steatite scarab with seated Bastet. Lower Egypt. New Kingdoms Period. 1550-1050BC. (13 mm) Scarab with central bidirectional piercing for suspension. The back is simply engraved, features are defined. On the face, n'b b'stet ma'At r' "May the truth of Lady Bastet endure" in hieroglyphics. Some flaking on the back. Purchased at Classical Numismatic Group LLC (CNG) E-Auction 528, 30 Nov. 2022, Lot 770.

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The two new scarabs together with a third one, on the far left, that I purchased and posted about back in July, with the following description:

Ancient Egypt, Second Intermediate Period (ca. 1780-1570 BCE), stone scarab, 16 x 11 x 7 mm., depicting two addorsed -- back-to-back -- Maat (ostrich) feathers, with two plants (perhaps lotus plants) flanking them. Purchased from Zurqieh Ltd., July 2022.

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Unfortunately, I wasn't able to gain a decent impression of the uraeus/goose scarab in plasticene.

My other ancient scarabs, all previously posted  in this thread, as I display them:

Steatite scarab, Ancient Egypt, depicting winged sphinx or griffin walking left (see accompanying plasticene impression), intact, 17 mm. From dealer’s description: “This is an unusual motif for Egyptian scarabs and is no doubt borrowed from Mesopotamian iconography.” Date: either Second Intermediate Period (ca. 1600 BCE) or Late Period (26th Dynasty, ca.  664–525 BCE).* Purchased from Dr. Bron Lipkin, www.collector-antiquities.com, London, UK, Nov. 2022; ex. Julian Bird, London, UK, 2009.

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Lion and Sun Disk scarab, prob. 26th Dynasty, Naukratis scarab factory or vicinity:

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Egypt, Late New Kingdom (18th-19th Dynasty), steatite scarab of two Antilopids (Gazelles), mother facing left and baby facing right on impression. 16 mm. L, 13 mm. W.  Purchased from Harmer, Rooke Numismatists, Ltd., New York City, Feb. 27, 1989.

Steatite scarab - Antilipids 1.jpg

Egypt, steatite scarab with hieroglyphs on bottom [translation "The good king of Upper & Lower Egypt, Ankh Keper"], ca. 1700-1500 BCE (Hyksos period) 17 mm. L. Purchased 27 April, 2009, Artemission, London, UK; ex Bonhams Antiquities auction, 05/01/2008, part of Lot 328.

Egyptian scarab 2.jpg

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I finally wrote up the first artifact I've purchased in quite a while. I bought it on the very first day of the current Harlan J. Berk sale in late January: I knew immediately that I wanted it, and that if I didn't buy it right away I might lose out on it given the excellent condition of the discus and the very reasonable price.

Roman Oil Lamp with dolphin, ca. 120-180 AD, El Djem (Roman Thysdrus), Tunisia, North Africa. Horizontal dolphin swimming right over vertical rudder (gubernaculum), molded in the discus. Ribbed ring handle with two grooves, and round nozzle separated from discus by a straight horizontal line, flanked by two dots. Maker's mark incised on the underside, MNOVIVS TI, for manufacturer Marcus Novius Justus, a well-known oil lamp manufacturer who operated a workshop in or near what is now El Djem, Tunisia during the 2nd Century AD.* L. 4" (10.2 cm). Loeschcke type VIII, Bussière form D II 1, Nozzle form Bus. 4a.** Purchased 26 Jan. 2023 from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd., 222nd Buy or Bid Sale, Lot 450.

HJB's photos:

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Some photos I took myself:

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A photo of my new lamp together with another Roman oil lamp from North Africa (several hundred years later), with a hunting scene of a hound and gazelle. See description of that lamp earlier in this thread, at https://www.numisforums.com/topic/199-a-thread-for-my-antiquities/page/6/#comment-7225 .image.jpeg.7b1ab843f8501f5d85095ae9cbe7f4a7.jpeg

Footnotes:

*See the article by Anna Manzoni Macdonnell, “An Egotistical Lamp Maker from El Djem,” The J. Paul Getty Museum Journal, Vol. 12 (1984) (available at https://www.getty.edu/publications/resources/virtuallibrary/0892360798.pdf), pp. 141-144: 

“[T]he Justus family was very well-known for its lamp making during the first and second centuries.[fn 5]  Two branches of the family are distinguishable based on the signatures of two of their respective members: the first of these signed his works IVSTI (Justus) (fig. 2); the second used the tripartite name form MNOVIVSTI (M. Novius Justus) (fig. 3). Although they are contemporary, it is unlikely that both signatures came from the same atelier. The similarity in names and products, however, points to two members of the same family engaged in similar, but separate, lamp-making operations. Neither workshop has to date been excavated, but both were probably located close to El Djem. . . After about the third quarter of the second century, signatures on lamps are rarely found. 

[fn 5.] Until recently the workshop of MNOVIVSTI in particular was thought to be an Italian one that subsequently opened a branch in North Africa. The workshop produced lamps of excellent quality in close imitation of Italian originals. See Deneauve, 86 [Deneauve, Lampes de Carthage (Paris, Éditions du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 1969)]. Donald Bailey also initially thought this workshop to be of Italian origin due to the large number of lamps with this signature found in Italy. He has, however, changed his mind. See BMQ 36 (1971-1972), 104; also D. M. Bailey, A Catalogue of the Lamps in the British Museum, vol. 2 of Roman Lamps Made in Italy (London, 1980), 90.”

Regarding El Djem, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Djem: “El Djem or El Jem (Tunisian Arabic: الجمّ, il-Jamm) is a town in Mahdia Governorate, Tunisia. Its population was 21,576 during the 2014 census. It is home to Roman remains including the ‘Amphitheater of El Jem’. History: Thysdrus. The Roman city of Thysdrus was built, like almost all Roman settlements in ancient Tunisia, on former Punic settlements. In a less arid climate than today's, Thysdrus prospered as an important center of olive oil production and export. It was the seat of a Christian bishopric, which is included in the Catholic Church's list of titular sees. By the early 3rd century, when the amphitheater was built, Thysdrus rivaled Hadrumetum (modern Sousse) as the second city of Roman North Africa after Carthage. However, following the abortive revolt that began here in AD 238 and Gordian's suicide in his villa near Carthage, Roman troops loyal to the emperor Maximinus Thrax sacked the city. The town is shown on the 4th-century Peutinger Map.” 

** Typology derived from Siegfried Loeschcke, Lampen aus Vindonissa: Ein Betrag zur Geschichte von Vindonissa und des antiken Beleuchtungswesens (Zurich 1919) (based on Roman lamps from the Roman legionary fort in Vindonissa, Switzerland) and Jean Bussière, Lampes antiques d’Algérie, Monographies instrumentum 16 (Montagnac 2000). See the detailed discussions of typology in Jean Bussière & Birgitta Lindros Wohl, Ancient Lamps in the J. Paul Getty Museum (J. Paul Getty Museum 2017) (available online & for download at https://www.getty.edu/publications/ancientlamps/), at pp. 193-195, 199-210. Regarding my lamp's Loeschcke type VIII, see the introduction to that type at pp. 193-194:

“Characterized by a circular body and short rounded nozzle, Loeschcke type VIII, whose early examples go back to Claudian times, experienced a tremendous floruit at the end of the first century A.D. and during the two next centuries. It continued to exist on a diminished scale through the fourth century and occasionally in the fifth. . . . Getty lamps belonging to Loeschcke type VIII are presented in two groups: I) with round-tipped nozzle, and II) with heart-shaped nozzle. . . . On Italian and African Loeschcke type VIII lamps, only two impressed dots, not small impressed circles, usually decorate the nozzle top, either alone or flanking the horizontal groove above the wick-hole.”

This lamp, with a round-tip nozzle, belongs to the first group, and is classified as Bussière form D II 1. See id. p. 199:

“Bussière form D II 1. . .  is the standard form of Loeschcke type VIII: the short, rounded nozzle is separated from the discus by a straight horizontal line, flanked by two dots (Bus. 4a). All Getty lamps of Bussière form D II 1 conform to that feature, except three examples. . . . All Getty lamps of Bussière form D II 1 have a pierced round handle with two grooves on the upper part. . . . The discus decors vary: mythology (6 ex.): Diana, Dioscuri, Sol and Luna, Africa, Lares, and griffin; persons (8 ex.): portraits of Domitian, Hadrian, male head, bust of a young man, bust of a young woman, bust of a bearded old man, fisherman, and an aulete; animals (3 ex.): scorpion, boar, and lion with crocodile; entertainment (2 ex.): bust of a masked comic actor, and a grotesque on a boat; and varia (3 ex.): rosette, myrtle wreath, and garlanded amphora. Three lamps have a plain discus. . . . All but five lamps are signed. Seven signatures are from African workshops: MNOVIV, MNOVIVST, MNOVIVSTI, IVNIALEXI (2 ex.), CCORVRS, EXFNA/LVCCEIORVM . . . . The periods of activity of the workshops mentioned above are, with one exception, within the time span A.D. 80–180. The floruit of the standard form Bussière D II 1 was during the Late Flavian period and the first half of the second century.”

The nozzle type of this lamp (Nozzle form Bus. 4a) is based on a chart set forth in Bussière 2000, fig. 44, reproduced in the Getty Ancient Lamps book at p. 195:

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Because the line separating the nozzle from the discus is straight rather than curved, the nozzle is presumably type 4a rather than 4b. See this example from the Getty Collection of another Loeschcke type VIII, Bussière form D II 1, Nozzle form Bus. 4a, Roman oil lamp from North Africa (No. 285, Ancient Lamps p. 200; https://www.getty.edu/publications/ancientlamps/catalogue/283-302/#285), with a plain discus, that also happens to have been made by Marcus Novius Justus:

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“Description: Moldmade. Ring handle with two grooves on upper part. . . . Concave discus. Filling-hole slightly on the right above center. Nozzle form Bus. 4a. Base marked off by one circular groove. Potter’s incuse signature: MNOVIVSTI, African workshop active A.D. 120–180. Discus Iconography: Plain discus. Type Loeschcke VIII; Bussière form D II 1. Date: Late Flavian to Antonine. Place of Manufacture or Origin: El Djem (Tunisia).”

For an example of a Roman oil lamp with a depiction of a dolphin similar to the one on mine, apparently also made by the M. Novius Justus workshop (albeit with a different signature), see the Roman Oil Lamp with Dolphin, Art Museum Collections, Breverman Collection, Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum, Miami University of Ohio, at https://www.miamioh.edu/cca/art-museum/collections/breverman-collections/roman-oil-lamp-dolphin-2013-hb-62/index.html :

Rome, 2nd century CE, Terracotta, 4 1/8" in length, Gift of Harvey and Deborah Breverman, 2013.HB.62. Signed on base: "NOVIUS", Marcus Novius Justus. This lamp features an incised maker's mark on the bottom, which was typically reserved for respected lamp makers. Makers' marks could be created using molds, or, as in this case, by hand.

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Edited by DonnaML
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Roman-Oil-Lamp-Cupid-1.jpg.33d5ed8f3fcb5c70a4999f6a17fd0b6b.jpg

 

An Ancient Roman oil lamp finely moulded in light terracotta, featuring a short heart-shaped nozzle, concave discus with one filling hole, and a single pierced handle. The shoulder is decorated with a stylised laurel wreath, characteristic of lamps categorised as Bussièr form D X 4, variants A and B. The discus is decorated with the depiction of a winged cupid, holding a torch, floating mantel and situla. Above the heart-shaped nozzle is a raised line with centrally-placed circle. The underside of the nozzle is decorated with a band of tongues between two twisted cords. This lamp is categorised as Loeschcke VIII; Bussière form D X 4b.

Date: 1st-3rd Centuries AD
Provenance: Ex S.M. London collection, 1970-2000s by descent.
Condition: Fine condition, earthly encrustations to the surface.

SOLD

SKU: AH-907 Category: Ancient Oil Lamps Tags: Floral, Foliage, Male Figures
 
purchased from Chris martin , Ancient and Oriental , UK.
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roman-terracotta-oil-lamp-with-leaf-protrusions.jpg.e0fceeb452bd1a8548070e7e6a6627fb.jpg

A fine Roman terracotta oil lamp featuring a relatively long spout with a ring handle at the back, decorated with a leaf protrusion to help the forefinger counter-balance the weight of the lamp. The leaf displays finely rendered naturalistic veins. The concave discus features a rosette displaying fourteen petals surrounding the central large filling-hole. Two small side protrusions sit to the outside of the body, decorated with curves and dots. The oil lamp stands on a flat ring foot.

Date: Circa 1st Century AD
Provenance: From the collection of Arno Jumpertz, Leverkusen, Germany, 1924-1984. Much of the collection was exhibited at the Neus Museum, 1985.
Condition: Fine condition,cracks to the nozzle with a small chip. The oil lamp is mounted on a custom-made stand.

SOLD

SKU: LD-247 Category: Ancient Oil Lamps Tags: Floral, Foliage
 
Purchased from Cris martin , Ancient and Oriental
 
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Here are a couple of photos I took this morning of all three of my ancient Roman oil lamps, all manufactured in today's Tunisia, the new dolphin lamp from the 2nd Century AD and the other two from the 5th Century AD (both of them Hayes Type IIA, see https://www.numisforums.com/topic/199-a-thread-for-my-antiquities/page/6/#comment-7225 ).

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If ancient Roman oil lamps didn't take up so much space and weren't so inherently fragile -- although most people would be surprised at how many have survived intact -- I would probably have bought a lot more of them over the years. The figurative ones especially are almost as varied as the reverse designs on ancient Roman coins, and they tend to be priced very reasonably, whether compared to other Roman antiquities or to Roman coinage. Of course they were the products of private manufacturers all over the Empire rather than government mints, so it's impossible to catalog them comprehensively other than by the typology common during different periods. Still, they're more easily classifiable than, say, Greek vases -- albeit much less colorful! -- and a lot less expensive.

 

Edited by DonnaML
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4 hours ago, DonnaML said:

Here are a couple of photos I took this morning of all three of my ancient Roman oil lamps, all manufactured in today's Tunisia, the new dolphin lamp from the 2nd Century AD and the other two from the 5th Century AD (both of them Hayes Type IIA, see https://www.numisforums.com/topic/199-a-thread-for-my-antiquities/page/6/#comment-7225 ).

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If ancient Roman oil lamps didn't take up so much space and weren't so inherently fragile -- although most people would be surprised at how many have survived intact -- I would probably have bought a lot more of them over the years. The figurative ones especially are almost as varied as the reverse designs on ancient Roman coins, and they tend to be priced very reasonably, whether compared to other Roman antiquities or to Roman coinage. Of course they were the products of private manufacturers all over the Empire rather than government mints, so it's impossible to catalog them comprehensively other than by the typology common during different periods. Still, they're more easily classifiable than, say, Greek vases -- albeit much less colorful! -- and a lot less expensive.

 

 As always Donna, the way you display your treasures is just outstanding.

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On 3/2/2023 at 8:46 PM, DonnaML said:

Here's a photo I posted in another thread not long ago that shows how the dolphin and hunting scene oil lamps are presently displayed in my living room:

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...Another imogee I wish we had is for 'eating pie.'  :<}  --No, only the home-made kind.

Edited by JeandAcre
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  • 4 weeks later...

Egyptian amulets were small, often intricately designed objects that were believed to provide protection, guidance, and magical power to their wearers. They were worn by both the living and the dead in ancient Egypt and were considered an important part of daily life.

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Some of the most popular Egyptian amulets included:

  1. Ankh: a symbol of life and fertility

  2. Scarab: a symbol of rebirth and protection

  3. Eye of Horus: a symbol of protection, healing, and good health

  4. Djed pillar: a symbol of stability and strength

  5. Udjat Eye: another symbol of protection, healing, and good health

  6. Cartouche: a symbol of the pharaoh's name and power

  7. Ba bird: a symbol of the soul and protection in the afterlife

  8. Sistrum: a musical instrument that was believed to ward off evil spirits

Egyptian amulets were made from a variety of materials, including precious metals, gemstones, wood, and faience (a type of glazed ceramic). They were often worn on necklaces, bracelets, or as part of a larger piece of jewelry.

In addition to their protective properties, Egyptian amulets were also considered to be powerful symbols of status and wealth. They were often given as gifts or buried with the dead to ensure their safe passage into the afterlife.

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5 hours ago, Ali Asjid said:

Egyptian amulets were small, often intricately designed objects that were believed to provide protection, guidance, and magical power to their wearers. They were worn by both the living and the dead in ancient Egypt and were considered an important part of daily life.

spacer.png

Some of the most popular Egyptian amulets included:

  1. Ankh: a symbol of life and fertility

  2. Scarab: a symbol of rebirth and protection

  3. Eye of Horus: a symbol of protection, healing, and good health

  4. Djed pillar: a symbol of stability and strength

  5. Udjat Eye: another symbol of protection, healing, and good health

  6. Cartouche: a symbol of the pharaoh's name and power

  7. Ba bird: a symbol of the soul and protection in the afterlife

  8. Sistrum: a musical instrument that was believed to ward off evil spirits

Egyptian amulets were made from a variety of materials, including precious metals, gemstones, wood, and faience (a type of glazed ceramic). They were often worn on necklaces, bracelets, or as part of a larger piece of jewelry.

In addition to their protective properties, Egyptian amulets were also considered to be powerful symbols of status and wealth. They were often given as gifts or buried with the dead to ensure their safe passage into the afterlife.

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I realized today that when I posted my 2nd Century CE Roman oil lamp from Tunisia back in January 2023, depicting a dolphin and rudder (purchased from the HJB 222nd Buy or Bid Sale as Lot 450; see my writeup above at https://www.numisforums.com/topic/199-a-thread-for-my-antiquities/page/8/#comment-43527), I forgot to include the link to the video at https://vimeo.com/761140396 . Here is the video:

 

 

I realized my omission only because I finally got around to writing up my most recently-purchased antiquity, which I bought back in July from another HJB sale. It's another scarab (my 8th; see the others above on this page). This one has no hieroglyphics or animal figures -- just a lotus design. But it appealed to me nonetheless.

Egyptian Steatite Lotus Scarab, New Kingdom, ca. 1550-1070 BC; Length 11/16”. Seller's description: “A finely carved scarab of oval form with well-defined leg area. Simple head rendering with fine lines incised upon the clypeus frill, simple notches to indicate the wing cases, and delicately-outlined wing case edges. The surface texture is smooth from handling, with an indication of wear at the frontal perforation for stringing. The reverse side features an incised lotus and lotus bud motif, symbolic of renewal. A Hyksos-era type of composition found to continue in later scarabs of the New Kingdom.” Purchased 21 Jul 2023 from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd., 224th Buy or Bid Sale, Lot 553; ex Harlan J. Berk Ltd., 156th Buy or Bid Sale, Oct 2007, Lot 630; ex Harlan J. Berk Ltd. 133rd Buy or Bid Sale, July 2003, Lot 666 (ill. p. 18); with descriptive ticket from 156th Buy or Bid Sale.

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Vimeo Link https://vimeo.com/835581830 :

 The ticket from the Oct 2007 HJB sale:

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The Illustration from the July 2003 HJB sales catalog, which I found on the Internet Archive:

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The scarab on its stand; I didn't bother making an impression of it because the design is so clear on the scarab itself:

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Compare with my lion & sun disk scarab, which shows up well only on the impression:

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(There's no more room for them inside the vitrine where I keep the other scarabs and other very small artifacts, so they're sitting on top, each in its own tiny glass bell jar -- the domes are off in the photo.)

 

 

Edited by DonnaML
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