Description:

Egypt, Late Dynastic Period to Ptolemaic Period, ca. 525 to 30 BCE. An incredibly rare mold-made faience or possibly glazed stone amulet representing the index and middle fingers pressed together. This amulet was used exclusively in burial and mummification practices, placed in the wrappings near the embalming incision on the lower torso, close to the bowel area where the internal organs were removed. The amulet was believed to magically heal the wound, allowing the deceased to enter the afterlife whole and healthy. The fingers represented the powers of Osiris or the Kemetic hand gesture of goodwill and blessing. First appearing around the 26th Dynasty (664-525 BCE), these finger amulets were initially carved from dark-colored stones, but mold-made faience were probably used in later periods. Size: 1.6" L x 0.7" W (4.1 cm x 1.8 cm)

Provenance: Collection of Dr. W. Benson Harer, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired before 2004; ex-Superior Galleries, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired in 1976; ex-collection of Philip Mitry, noted antiquarian, 1930 to 1953, then imported into the United States in 1952; ex-Anglo-American Bookstore, Cairo, Egypt, 1945-1950

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.

#190814

  • Condition: Surface pitting, otherwise intact.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

SHIPPING LOGISTICS: As a courtesy to our clients worldwide, Artemis Gallery is happy to handle shipping for most lots sold, taking the hassle (and high cost!) out of having to arrange shipping on your own. Shipping costs will be added to your invoice at auction's end based on information given when you registered to bid - we strive to offer the most economical shipping costs to ensure safe transit. Our shippers of choice are DHL for International shipments and UPS for domestic shipments, but we are able to ship via other carriers at the buyer's expense as deemed necessary or by request.

For shipments of oversize items, Artemis Gallery will assist the buyer in working with a third-party shipping provider. For shipments outside of the USA, customs and duties may apply upon entry into said country, and this fee, if any, is the buyer's responsibility. If you have questions about this, please inquire BEFORE bidding.

Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value - no exceptions.

January 17, 2025 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 29% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000