Late Period, 664-332 B.C.. With linear detailing to body and wings, loop above the neck. Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, pp.62-3. 1.1 grams, 20 mm (3/4 in.).

Small fly amulets first appeared in burials during the Naqada II Period, c. 3200 B.C. These amulets grew in popularity and the materials used to make them expanded during the New Kingdom. They are crafted from a variety of materials such as gold, silver, lapis lazuli, carnelian, amethyst, faience, and bone. These amulets were thought to protect against insect bites and to ward off troublesome flying creatures through apotropaic magic. Some believe they may have even been intended to symbolise the fly’s fecundity. Additionally, pharaohs would bestow gold fly-shaped pendants as military awards to honour the bravery and fly-like persistence of soldiers in battle.

From an early 20th century collection.