Ancient Egyptian Stone and Faience Beaded Necklace

£ 495.00

An ancient Egyptian restrung necklace comprising of faience and stone beads. The beads feature an ovoid shape yet differ in size, with larger beads resting at the centre. The oval beads would have originally been glazed, and some remnants of their turquoise pigment is still visible. The larger beads alternate with small circular blue faience beads, each segmented in the centre. The necklace is finished with a silver-plated clasp (please be aware that the clasp has not been professionally tied).

Date: Circa 1550 - 1070 BC
Period: New Kingdom
Condition: Very fine condition, minor scratchings to some beads. Loss of turquoise glaze.

In stock

SKU: HB-57 Category: Tag:

Faience is a glazed ceramic known for producing bright colours, especially blues, turquoises and greens. It is produced from quartz or sand crystals mixed with other compounds, finished with a vitreous alkaline glaze to the surface. Faience glimmers in the light and was believed by the Egyptians to represent rebirth and immortality. During the Predynastic period only green and blue faience occurred, however from the Old Kingdom and onwards alternative colours such as black, yellow and red were added to the palette. The colours had different symbolisms for example, blue was thought to reflect fertility and life. Faience was manufactured into amulets and jewellery, the substance was used to create scarabs, furniture and cups.

To find out more about the use of faience in Ancient Egyptian culture, please see our other relevant blog post: What is Egyptian Faience?

Weight 20 g
Dimensions L 48.3 cm
Culture

Faience

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Region

Stone

Reference: For similar bead types: The British Museum, London, item EA87233 and The British Museum, London, item EA87424