In Ancient Phoenicia, as in many ancient societies, jewellery was an important social marker used to demonstrate wealth, social status and privilege. The amuletic nature of this pendant with the addition of a scarab, which, despite being a uniquely Egyptian innovation, soon became integrated into many neighbouring cultures that were in contact with the Ancient Egyptians, such as the Phoenicians. This piece therefore represents the combination of different characteristics, showing the inter-connectivity of various civilisations in the ancient world. This was due to well-established trade routes, with different peoples often borrowing styles and artistic techniques from one another.
Rock crystal is a colourless, transparent form of quartz and is possibly known in ancient Egypt as “mnw -ḥḏ” (menew hedj) meaning “bright stone”. It is mainly quarried in the Western Desert between the Fayum and Bahariya Oasis and in Sinai. Gemstones such as rock crystals were used primarily in jewellery, amulets and decorative items and believed to carry religious significance and healing properties.
