A CARNELIAN ‘BABOON’ AMULET, THOTH, LATE PERIOD TO PTOLEMAIC ERA
Lot 40 - ANT1125

Expert’s note: The baboon was the original sacred animal of Thoth, god of wisdom and writing. From the Middle Kingdom onward, the moon-god Khonsu, in his lunar aspect, was also associated with Thoth and could likewise be represented as a baboon. Khonsu formed part of the Theban triad, worshiped at Luxor from the New Kingdom, together with his father Amun-Re and his mother Mut.

Egypt, 664-30 BC. Naturalistically depicted on an integral square base, his forepaws resting on his knees, the tail curled around his proper right leg, the face neatly incised with a charming expression and surrounded by a wide radiating ruff. Accurately pierced vertically through the head. The semi-precious stone is of a mottled deep amber hue with inclusions of white and red.

Provenance: The collection of Miss Agnes Barclay, acquired c. 1920-1940, and thence by descent. With C.J. Martin Ltd., Specialist in Ancient & Mediaeval Coins & Antiquities, London, United Kingdom. A private collection in New York, acquired from the above in 2017 and thence by descent. A copy of an invoice from C.J. Martin Ltd., London, dated 13 June 2017, accompanies the lot. In this invoice the present lot is listed within a group of hardstone amulets made from lapis and carnelian, sold for USD 19,500 or EUR 23,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing.
Condition: Very good condition with minor expected wear and natural fissures and hairlines.

Weight: 3.4 g
Dimensions: Height 2 cm

Amulets were, and in many cultures still are, believed to protect the living and the dead from danger or to provide them with extraordinary power. Some amulets have the same power as the object whose shape they depict (a divinity, an animal a body part, a hieroglyph, or another symbol). Some are made of materials thought to have supernatural qualities, while some derive their power from their color. It is the instructions for use that make the amulets really effective. They must be employed in a certain way, at a certain moment, and by the right person, with the relevant spells being recited. Amulets served to protect the entice person, but were also laid on various parts of the mummy's body, and associated with the gods who had those body parts under their particular care. Jewelry and amulets are difficult to distinguish functionally. A bead can have a certain amuletic value and amulets almost always worked into jewelry. There are about 300 different types of Egyptian amulets known from all periods. Some of them remained popular for thousands of years. From about 1000 BC on, the production of amulets increased dramatically, particularly their use for the benefit of deceased persons. Dozens of specimens have thus been found on and inside mummies.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s London, 3 July 2018, lot 28
Price: GBP 5,000 or approx. EUR 8,300 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: An Egyptian carnelian squatting child amulet, New Kingdom, 18^th-19^th dynasty, 1550-1069 BC
Expert remark: Compare the identical stone and related manner and technique of carving. Note the similar size (2.5 cm).