An Ancient Egyptian amulet in the form of a fly, carved from red jasper. The body is decorated with horizontal carved lines, with the reverse mirroring the design. The jasper features a dark red hue with black striations. The amulet has been pierced longitudinally for suspension. The purpose of such fly amulets is uncertain, scholars have different hypotheses regarding this symbol. Some believe it was awarded for military achievement because of the fly’s resemblance to enemies’ persistence at war and also because of the fly’s tendency of hanging around battlefields where blood was shed. Others do not agree entirely with this thesis as samples of fly amulets have been found in women’s and butlers’ tombs, individuals not active in war. One other possible intention of this amulet was to bestow the notorious fecundity of the fly to the wearer. However uncertain the significance of this symbol is, the fly also appears in many ancient neighbouring cultures, from Nubia to the Greek island of Cyprus. Measurements: Circa L 0.9cm x W 0.7cm Provenance: Ex. UK Collection 1920s - 1940s.