Necklace of Drum-Shaped Beads
ca. 1514–1353 B.C.E.
1 of 2
Object Label
Necklaces
Most ancient Egyptians owned at least one necklace.
The simplest examples were made of tiny beads of shell, bone, faience, metal, or glazed steatite. More complex versions had beads in the form of amulets, including uraeus-cobras, wedjat-eyes (the eye of the falcon-god Horus, symbolizing wholeness), scarabs (charms in the form of beetles), or images of gods such as Hathor. Individual beads as well as complete necklaces had significance. Beads reproducing fruits or flowers, such as the examples in this case, were believed to enhance fertility. Military officers presented fly necklaces to valiant soldiers to acknowledge their tenacity in battle.
Most ancient Egyptians owned at least one necklace.
The simplest examples were made of tiny beads of shell, bone, faience, metal, or glazed steatite. More complex versions had beads in the form of amulets, including uraeus-cobras, wedjat-eyes (the eye of the falcon-god Horus, symbolizing wholeness), scarabs (charms in the form of beetles), or images of gods such as Hathor. Individual beads as well as complete necklaces had significance. Beads reproducing fruits or flowers, such as the examples in this case, were believed to enhance fertility. Military officers presented fly necklaces to valiant soldiers to acknowledge their tenacity in battle.
Caption
Necklace of Drum-Shaped Beads, ca. 1514–1353 B.C.E.. Faience, Approximate length: 36 5/8 in. (93 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Egypt Exploration Fund, 14.629. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Title
Necklace of Drum-Shaped Beads
Date
ca. 1514–1353 B.C.E.
Dynasty
Dynasty 18
Period
New Kingdom
Geography
Place excavated: Sawama, Egypt
Medium
Faience
Classification
Dimensions
Approximate length: 36 5/8 in. (93 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of the Egypt Exploration Fund
Accession Number
14.629
Frequent Art Questions
Tell me more.
Theses lovely pieces would have served as jewelry much like we were today. Beaded necklaces of faience were particularly popular.Using faience was an affordable alternative to the more precious lapis lazuli. The blue color has symbolic meaning as well! It was connected to the Nile, whose annual floods made life in the desert possible!
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