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Falcon Head Endpiece of a Necklace

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: Old Kingdom to 18th Dynasty, Egyptian Galleries, 3rd Floor
The majestic falcon, symbol of the skygod Horus, was associated with the king as early as the First Dynasty (circa 3100– 2800 B.C.E.). By the Middle Kingdom, falcon heads began appearing as decorative elements on non-royal jewelry, particularly as end pieces for broad collars made of multiple strands of beads. This example has six holes on its base for the necklace’s strands.
MEDIUM Faience
  • Place Made: Egypt
  • DATES ca. 1938-1759 B.C.E.
    DYNASTY Dynasty 12
    PERIOD Middle Kingdom
    DIMENSIONS 2 1/8 x 2 15/16 x 3/8 in. (5.4 x 7.4 x 0.9 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 48.178
    CREDIT LINE Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alastair B. Martin
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Light blue faience necklace terminal of hawk’s head form. Details of head incised on one side only, reverse plain. Six piercings for strands passing from lower edge of reverse to ridge through base of object.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Old Kingdom to 18th Dynasty, Egyptian Galleries, 3rd Floor
    CAPTION Falcon Head Endpiece of a Necklace, ca. 1938-1759 B.C.E. Faience, 2 1/8 x 2 15/16 x 3/8 in. (5.4 x 7.4 x 0.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alastair B. Martin, 48.178. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , CUR.48.178_NegA_print_bw.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, CUR.48.178_NegA_print_bw.jpg.
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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