Faience is the oldest glazed ceramic in existence, created over 6000 years ago. It is produced from quartz or sand crystals mixed with other compounds and can be cast into moulds to create beads or amulets such as this fine example. Favoured for producing bright colours, faience gimmers in the light and was believed by the Egyptians to represent rebirth and immortality. The colours had different symbolisms for example, blue was thought to reflect fertility and life.
To find out more about Faience and Ancient Egyptian amulets please see our relevant blog posts: What is Egyptian Faience? and Egyptian Amulets and their Meanings: Ancient Egyptian Gods.
