{"title":"Ancient Amulets","description":"\u003cp\u003eSmall objects worn for protection: Egyptian gods, eyes of Horus, hearts, djed pillars and scarabs in faience, stone and gold, with Near Eastern, classical and Pre-Columbian pendants. Most are small enough to wear. Each is described with its culture, period and material, and comes with provenance and a certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"egyptian-udjat-eye-scaraboid-shape-amulet-for-protection","title":"Egyptian Udjat Eye Scaraboid Amulet for Protection","description":"\u003cp\u003eLate Period, Dynasty XXV–XXX, ca. 712–332 BC.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA large oval cushion form faience amulet of exceptional size and presence for the type. The convex upper face is divided by two vertical and one horizontal raised black bands into six rectangular compartments, each containing three molded wedjat (Eye of Horus) eyes, for a total of eighteen protective eyes. The reverse is carved with the schematic contour of a squatting goddess in the birthing position, arms raised at either side, a rare iconographic combination documented in the published literature on this specific piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe replication of the wedjat,  the \"healed\" eye of Horus, emblem of wholeness, protection, and regeneration, multiplies its apotropaic power, while the birthing figure on the reverse invokes protection for mother and child in the dangerous moments of parturition. The combination marks this as a specialized maternity\/birth amulet of extraordinary rarity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMultiple-wedjat amulets of this stylized Late Period form are well represented in major collections — the British Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Louvre, and the Petrie Museum all hold examples — but the overwhelming majority have plain, undecorated reverses. The presence of an incised figural image of a birthing goddess on the underside transforms the object from a standard protective amulet into a specialized maternity amulet, and is described in the 1991 NFA catalog as sufficiently unusual to merit special commentary; the cataloger located no direct parallels. The combination of substantial size, strong turquoise glaze, crisp molded detail, double publication pedigree (NFA 1991; Royal-Athena 1994), and the rarity of the figural reverse supports the characterization \"rare and possibly unique.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvenance Ex collection of Harry Wallace \u0026amp; Dale Black, NYC \u0026amp;  New Paltz, New York.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoyal-Athena Galleries, New York, Art of the Ancient World, Vol. VIII, Part 1, no. 70, October 1994, cat. no. 105 (published and illustrated).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNumismatic Fine Arts (NFA) Classical Auctions, Inc., Scarabs and Design Amulets: A Glimpse of Ancient Egypt in Miniature, New York (Helmsley Palace Hotel, Versailles Ballroom), December 11, 1991, lot 294, illustrated in both color plate and black-and-white enlargement. Realized price: $2,000 (per annotated price-realized list)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished Catalog Text (NFA, 1991, lot 294)\u003cbr\u003eThe NFA catalog describes the piece as a \"Multiple Eye Amulet, Late Period, blue faience with black pigment, L. 46 mm; W. 40 mm; H. 17 mm,\" noting that the oval amulet \"is divided into six sections, each containing three eyes. Like the multiple scarab amulet, the replication of images, in this instance, the 'healed' eye of Horus or wedjet eye, greatly increases its power. … While most amulets of this type have bases that are undecorated, the reverse of this example has the contour of a woman in the birthing position carved into the faience. As in all ancient cultures, the birth process was dangerous for both mother and child and would require potent amulets.\" The entry further cites parallels in Petrie, Amulets, pl. 25.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Art for Eternity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46534279790906,"sku":"15835","price":4000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0775\/5120\/6714\/files\/15835blu.jpg?v=1776709516"},{"product_id":"egyptian-blue-glaze-faience-amulet-of-pataikos","title":"Egyptian Blue Glaze Faience Amulet of Pataikos","description":"\u003cp\u003e  Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe protective dwarf god Pataikos, shown standing on an integral base with short bent arms and squat legs, the disproportionately large head with squared facial block and small projecting ears, a pierced suspension loop at the back for stringing, the bright glaze with minor pitting and brown encrustation from age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePataikos is a protective dwarf manifestation of the creator god Ptah whose amulets were worn to guard the wearer—especially women and children—from danger, illness and misfortune, including snake bites, crocodiles and other harmful creatures. His squat, dwarf‑like body was believed to embody magical power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Size 1 3\/8 inch high. + museum wax to black block base. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvenance: Ex Secret Eyes Gallery New York 1970's-1980's\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Art for Eternity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52918673637690,"sku":"17118","price":465.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0775\/5120\/6714\/files\/17118bl.jpg?v=1768949997"},{"product_id":"egyptian-faience-mummy-bandage-four-sons-of-horus-amulets","title":"Egyptian Faience Amulets of the  Four Sons of Horus","description":"\u003cp\u003eThird Intermediate Period, 21st Dynasty, Circa 1077 to 943 BCE\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach shown mummiform and striding right, pierced through the head and feet for attachment. Such amulets protected the embalmed viscera during the journey to the afterlife where sets of four were attached to the outer linen shrouds or bead nets over the abdomen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have the falcon-headed \u003cstrong\u003eQebehsenuef\u003c\/strong\u003e, guardian of the intestines; \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ea jackal-headed \u003cstrong\u003eDuamutef\u003c\/strong\u003e, protected the stomach ;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ea human-headed \u003cstrong\u003eImsety\u003c\/strong\u003e, the guardian of the liver;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e and the baboon-headed \u003cstrong\u003eHapy\u003c\/strong\u003e, the protector of the lungs;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach flat-backed plaque is decorated on the front with a manganese‑black painted lozenge “net” pattern over a blue‑green to sandy brown glaze, now worn with burial encrustation, surface pitting, and minor edge losses at the thread‑holes, originally having been sewn into the mummy bandages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSizes 2-3\/4 inches (7cm) to 3 inches (7.6cm) Length. Each with custom metal display stand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvenance: From an old private collection in North Rhine-Westphalia Germany.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComplete sets from the 21st Dynasty are rare in the marketplace!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Art for Eternity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53220339581242,"sku":"17345","price":5500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0775\/5120\/6714\/files\/17345blue2.jpg?v=1778954915"},{"product_id":"egyptian-turquoise-faience-horus-falcon-amulet","title":"Egyptian Turquoise Faience Horus Falcon Amulet","description":"\u003cp\u003eMold made faience falcon, light blue glaze with scattered manganese flecking and brown burial deposits in recesses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFalcon standing on an integral rectangular base, wings folded closely to the body and crossing over the tail, with detailed feathering and drilled crescent eye indicated on each side.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVertical suspension loop behind the neck, bored front to back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 1 1\/2 in (approx. 3.8 cm), mounted on a later black wood base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Loss to one front corner of the plinth\/base exposing the core, as visible on the right side. Small chips to the chest and to one side of the suspension loop, minor surface wear and glaze pitting consistent with burial and age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvenance: Property from a New York City collection; acquired together with another amulet at Sotheby Parke Bernet, New York, 21 May 1977, sale 3994, lot 334; retains original lot sticker and accompanied by a copy of the invoice.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Art for Eternity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53254262358330,"sku":"17419","price":1750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0775\/5120\/6714\/files\/17419bl.jpg?v=1775078227"},{"product_id":"egyptian-turquouse-faience-amuletic-double-kohl-container","title":"Egyptian Turquouse Faience Amuletic Double Kohl Container","description":"\u003cp\u003e Late Period, Circa 715 to 300 BC\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall amuletic double cosmetic tube modeled as two tall, slender vases fused together, with flaring disk rims and spreading circular bases. Made in pale green faience, each tube drilled from the top to the lower body, originally to hold kohl; the lower section left solid, with the waisted join between the two vessels left open.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight  Size 1 inches H.   \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProperty from a New York City Collection; purchased from Sotheby Parke Bernet, May 21, 1977, sale 3994, lot 334, with the lot stickers and a copy of the invoice.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Art for Eternity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53336229544250,"sku":"17455","price":1350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0775\/5120\/6714\/files\/17455bl.jpg?v=1776541982"},{"product_id":"coptic-bone-standing-figure","title":"Coptic Bone Standing Amuletic Figure","description":"\u003cp\u003eA  hand-carved bone figure from Late Antique \/ Early Byzantine Egypt, Circa 5yth to 7th Century AD,  depicting a frontal standing personage with a columnar head, prominently incised almond eyes with drilled pupils accented in black ink, and a narrow ridged nose set above a squared chin. The figure is rendered in the characteristic schematic, block-like Coptic manner, with broad shoulders drilled out to hold a separately made articulate limb. The geometric garment indicated by shallow incised planes and chevron folds descending to a tapered lower terminus. Traces of black pigment highlight the brows and contours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA decorative convention consistent with Coptic bone-carving workshops active in centers such as Alexandria, Antinoöpolis, and the Fayum, which produced figural plaques, doll-like figures, furniture inlays, hairpins, and amuletic figures for both domestic and funerary use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: H. 1-5\/8 in. (4.1 cm)    Condition: Ancient condition with expected wear; old stabilization\/repair and minor losses; natural age-cracks along the grain of the bone; adhesive residue on the reverse consistent with a prior conservation campaign. Old collection inventory number \"339-0-8f\" inked at the top of the head.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComparable Coptic worked-bone figures are represented in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Louvre, the Brooklyn Museum, and the British Museum, many deriving from late 19th- and early 20th-century excavations in Middle Egypt.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Art for Eternity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53504068845882,"sku":"17562","price":375.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0775\/5120\/6714\/files\/17562bl.jpg?v=1779575422"},{"product_id":"egyptian-faience-amulet-of-the-goddess-taweret","title":"Egyptian Faience Amulet of the Goddess Taweret","description":"\u003cp\u003eThird Intermediate–early Late Period, circa 800–500 BCE.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDepicted as a standing pregnant hippopotamus‑goddess with elongated snout, rounded belly and hanging breasts, arms at her sides, pierced horizontally behind the neck for suspension. Traces of blue‑green glaze with brown core visible in areas of loss. Lower legs and feet missing; surface with typical ancient pitting and burial incrustation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight 1 5\/8 in (4.1 cm) excluding modern black wood base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTaweret was a household protectress of pregnancy and childbirth, and small faience amulets like this were worn or kept in domestic shrines for apotropaic protection\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Ex Secret Eyes Gallery New York 1970's-1980's\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Art for Eternity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53563249033530,"sku":"17634","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0775\/5120\/6714\/files\/17634z.jpg?v=1780511344"},{"product_id":"pre-columbian-mixtec-carved-greenstone-amuletic-pinata-figure-1","title":"Pre-Columbian Mixtec Carved Greenstone Amuletic Pinata Figure","description":"\u003cp\u003ePostclassic Period, c. 900 – 1521 CE, Oaxaca \/ Guerrero Borderland, Mexico\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA finely carved Pre-Columbian Mixtec greenstone amuletic figure of the celebrated \"pinata\" \/ standing-personage type, hewn from a dense pale celadon-green serpentine or hardstone with warm cream-and-ochre mineral encrustations. The figure stands frontally with a strong triangular nose, deep linear mouth, defined shoulders, and clearly delineated hands clasped across the body, terminating in short legs. Pierced laterally through the upper back for suspension as a pendant or amuletic bead. The piece belongs to the broad highland Mexican greenstone amuletic-figure tradition that flourished from the Late Classic into the Postclassic Period across the Mixteca-Puebla and Mezcala \/ Guerrero culture spheres. Carved pale celadon greenstone (serpentine \/ metavolcanic hardstone) in crisp linear cuts defining the headdress register, brow, nose, mouth, arms, and clasped hands. Lateral suspension perforation drilled through the upper back, fully open and intact. \u003cbr\u003eExcellent stable ancient condition. All carved features fully preserved; suspension perforation clear and unbroken; patina rich and untouched. No restoration. Dimensions 1-5\/8 in H + block adds height.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eComparable Mixtec and Mezcala-related greenstone amuletic figures are held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Dumbarton Oaks, the Museo Nacional de Antropología, Mexico City, the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, and LACMA, and are illustrated in Carlo Gay, Mezcala Stone Sculpture* (1967) and Reents-Budet \u0026amp; Frame, Olmec to Aztec* (1996). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private Mercer Island WA collection by descent from Ruth Goldwyn Capps \u0026amp; Henry McClure Capps (known as Mac) who was an art director and production designer for TV \u0026amp; films in the mid-1950s.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Art for Eternity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53999739765050,"sku":"17649","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0775\/5120\/6714\/files\/100214.jpg?v=1788536791"},{"product_id":"egyptian-green-faience-amulet-of-thoth","title":"Egyptian Turquoise Faience Amulet of Thoth","description":"\u003cp\u003eLate Period through the Ptolemaic Period, circa 664 to 30 BCE.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Mold-formed and rendered in vivid turquoise-blue glaze, the amulet depicts the god of wisdom, writing, measurement, and the moon in his classical anthropomorphic, ibis-headed manifestation. He stands in the traditional striding posture with the left leg advanced upon an integral rectangular plinth, his arms resting straight against the sides of a pleated shendyt kilt. The elongated, down-curved ibis beak is cleanly articulated beneath a striated divine tripartite wig, which merges seamlessly into a supportive dorsal pillar pierced horizontally near the shoulder line for suspension or placement among funerary bead nets. The brilliant blue-green color, representative of tjehenet, symbolized eternal rebirth, life, and the celestial waters, imbuing the wearer with the divine patronage and protective judgment of Thoth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe amulet measures 1.125 inches (2.86 cm) in height alone, and approximately 1.75 inches (4.45 cm) in total height when elevated upon its custom black block base. The provenance is well-documented, originating from a Private Collection in Southern England, through the Parthenon Gallery in London, and subsequently acquired by a Private Collection in Pennsylvania on 14 July 2012.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Art for Eternity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54107567522106,"sku":"17862","price":795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0775\/5120\/6714\/files\/100515.jpg?v=1790095580"},{"product_id":"egyptian-faience-amulet-of-bes","title":"Egyptian Faience Amulet of Bes","description":"Late Period ca. 664–30 BCE\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEgyptian faience figure of Bes, the protective household deity traditionally shown with a dwarf-like body, leonine features, and a tall feathered crown,  rendered frontally with a broad face, prominent eyes, compact body, and raised arms, while its turquoise-green glaze has weathered to reveal areas of the underlying surface. Bes was associated with protection, childbirth, children, and the household, and his image was commonly used on amulets and personal objects.\u003cbr\u003ePierced for suspension. Intact\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSize: 1.5” H x 1\/2” W x 1\/4” L + on a block base with bees wax.\u003cbr\u003eEx New York City Upper East Side estate.","brand":"Art for Eternity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67593718104378,"sku":"17974","price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0775\/5120\/6714\/files\/100537.jpg?v=1790629395"},{"product_id":"egyptian-amethyst-scarab-amulet","title":"Egyptian Amethyst Scarab Amulet","description":"\u003cp\u003eMiddle Kingdom, Dynasty 11–13, circa 2025–1760 BCE\u003cbr\u003eCarved from a single nodule of rich royal violet-purple quartz mined from the prized royal desert quarries of Wadi el-Hudi, this scarab demonstrates the characteristic Middle Kingdom lapidary tradition where amethyst was primarily selected for personal protective jewelry and royal funerary adornment. The beetle is rendered with a smooth, domed carapace showing natural crystal color zoning, subtle internal veining, and a gently rounded profile, with the head, clypeus, and elytral separation softly contoured to emphasize the natural glow and gemological depth of the hardstone. The underside is carved flat and deliberately left uninscribed, a hallmark of Middle Kingdom hardstone scarabs where the intrinsic apotropaic power of the stone itself associated with solar rebirth, divine protection, and dawn renewal took precedence over administrative seal functions. \u003cbr\u003eThe amulet is drilled longitudinally through the center from both ends with an ancient copper-tube or wire lapidary drill, designed for stringing on a beaded necklace, cord, or swiveling wire hoop. Measuring 0.7 inches; 14 mm  length. It survives in excellent ancient condition with smooth burial handling polish, minor softened chipping around the terminal drill hole apertures, and stable natural stone inclusions. The base uninscribed;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvenance: Acquired at a NY decadents estate.  Rare.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Art for Eternity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67609705185594,"sku":"17966","price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0775\/5120\/6714\/files\/100604.jpg?v=1790800821"},{"product_id":"ancient-egyptian-stone-scarab-amulet","title":"Ancient Egyptian Stone Scarab Amulet","description":"ca. 2000–1070 BCE\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA scarab amulet carved in the naturalistic form of a dung beetle, with incised lines defining the head, striated wing cases, and body; in a creamy white hard fine grain stone.\u003cbr\u003e Scarabs were among the most common Egyptian amulets and symbolized rebirth, regeneration, and protection. Their association with the beetle kheperer connected the insect with the concept of becoming and the daily renewal of the sun. Scarabs were worn as jewelry, placed with the deceased, and used as protective objects.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSize: approx 1\/4” H x 1” W x 1\/2” L\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEx NYC Upper East Side Collection.","brand":"Art for Eternity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67609851855162,"sku":"17967","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0775\/5120\/6714\/files\/100611.jpg?v=1790804052"}],"url":"https:\/\/howardnowes.com\/collections\/ancient-amulets.oembed","provider":"Art for Eternity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}