Pair of Egyptian Jasper Hair Rings

$284.17

A very fine pair of Ancient Egyptian carved D-section hair rings in a bright red jasper, one with a few bituminous concretions to one side. Rings such as this would have been used as hair ornamentation.

Date: Circa 1550-1070 BC
Period: New Kingdom Period
Provenance: Foxwell family collection acquired 1920's-40's and then by descent.
Condition: Very fine condition; complete and intact.

SOLD

SKU: AS-2040 Category:

Hair rings were used to adorn wigs and Egyptian hair, with the varied hairstyles employed as a means to distinguish between social classes. Wig-making was a formal profession in Ancient Egypt, though there is also evidence of anti-baldness remedies, and the use of henna to remove grey hair. These hair rings were usually made of ivory or jasper.

Jasper has been revered by ancient peoples and civilisations throughout the world as sacred and powerful stones of protection, for both the physical and spiritual realm. In Ancient Egypt red jasper was linked to fertility as it was named the fertilising blood of Mother Isis; legend states it was used to drive away evil spirits and protect against snake and spider bites. Many amulets made from jasper were found in Egypt with inscriptions to protect the wearer from death.

To find out more about the use of jasper in Ancient Egypt please see our relevant blog post: The History and Mythology of Gemstones in Ancient Jewellery.

Weight 3 g
Dimensions W 1.7 cm
Country

Culture

Region

Semi-Precious Stones

Reference: For a similar item, see The British Museum, item number EA63471