Beaded Necklace

ca. 3300–3100 B.C.E.

1 of 5

Object Label

The three necklaces in this case were discovered in graves. Ancient Egyptians apparently wore jewelry not only as adornments but also as protective symbols. Beads of different materials may have been chosen for the symbolic qualities of their colors. The amulet represents the head of a powerful bull—or possibly a nurturing cow—and was probably thought to transfer that animal’s characteristics to its wearer.

Caption

Beaded Necklace, ca. 3300–3100 B.C.E.. Shell, faience, clay, largest: 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm) average: 1/4 in. (0.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 09.889.302. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Title

Beaded Necklace

Date

ca. 3300–3100 B.C.E.

Period

Predynastic Period, Naqada III Period

Geography

Place collected: Abu Zaidan, Egypt, Possible place collected: Abu Zaidan, Egypt

Medium

Shell, faience, clay

Classification

Jewelry

Dimensions

largest: 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm) average: 1/4 in. (0.7 cm)

Credit Line

Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

Accession Number

09.889.302

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