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Penannular Earring

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Because rebirth required an act of physical conception, sexual allure was still important to the Egyptians after death. Indeed an ancient Egyptian believed his or her appearance in the tomb was more important than ever, creating the erotic stimulus that would lead to rebirth. Thus cosmetics, combs for styling hair, and jewelry such as these earrings were included in the tomb to enhance amatory potential. These goods also followed a person to the next world.
MEDIUM Red jasper
DATES ca. 1539–1190 B.C.E.
DYNASTY Dynasty 18 to Dynasty 19
PERIOD New Kingdom
DIMENSIONS 5/16 × Diam. 11/16 in. (0.8 × 1.7 cm)  (show scale)
ACCESSION NUMBER 37.1958E
CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
CAPTION Penannular Earring, ca. 1539–1190 B.C.E. Red jasper, 5/16 × Diam. 11/16 in. (0.8 × 1.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.1958E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 37.1957E_37.1958E_PS4.jpg)
IMAGE group, 37.1957E_37.1958E_PS4.jpg.
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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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