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Beaded Necklace

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: Pre-Dynastic, Egyptian Galleries, 3rd Floor
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.
MEDIUM Shell, faience, clay
  • Possible Place Collected: Abu Zaidan, Egypt
  • DATES ca. 3300–3100 B.C.E.
    PERIOD Predynastic Period, Naqada III Period
    DIMENSIONS largest: 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm) average: 1/4 in. (0.7 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 09.889.302
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION One hundred sixty two beads and shells: seventy rings of cut shell of different sizes; thirty one very small barrels of red faience; thirty very small cylinders, disks and rings of green faience; twenty one small truncated shells; six small fusiform shells, pierced as pendants, as chief pieces; four rather large shells of cowrie type with backs cut off. Condition: Good. Stringing modern.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Pre-Dynastic, Egyptian Galleries, 3rd Floor
    CAPTION Beaded Necklace, ca. 3300–3100 B.C.E. Shell, faience, clay, largest: 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 09.889.302. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.09.889.302_erg3.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, CUR.09.889.302_erg3.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 9/21/2007
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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