Beaded Necklace
ca. 3300-3100 B.C.E.
Maker Unknown
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
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.
- Maker/Artist
- Maker Unknown
- Classification
- Jewelry
- Formatted Medium
- Shell, faience, carnelian, limestone, lapis lazuli
- Locations
- Place collected: Abu Zaidan, Egypt
- Dimensions
- Largest bead: 5/8 x 3/8 in. (1.6 x 0.9 cm)
- Accession Number
- 09.889.304
- Credit Line
- Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
- Exhibitions
- Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity, Ancient Egyptian Art
- Rights Statement
- Creative Commons-BY
- Museum Location
- Pre-Dynastic, Egyptian Galleries, 3rd Floor
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