Egyptian Blue Faience Necklace with Amulets

GBP 975.00

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Object Description

A beautifully crafted Ancient Egyptian restrung necklace featuring faience cylindrical-shaped and round-shaped beads. The necklace is further enriched at its centre by seven faience amuletic beads, displaying different hues of blue: three beads, including the central one, are modelled in the shape of lotus petals, two in the shape of grapes, and the last two are modelled in the shape of the Egyptian god Bes, portrayed playing a tambourine.

All the faience fruit and flower-shaped beads featured on this necklace are intrinsically linked not only to aspects of everyday life in Ancient Egypt but also to the idea of afterlife. Indeed, lotus flowers grew on the Nile and were deeply admired by the Egyptians for their scent and beauty, but also because they were related to creation myths and therefore symbolised creation and rebirth. Grapes were cultivated there and used to make wine which played an important role in ceremonies. Bes, on the other hand, was a popular and extremely loved Egyptian deity, protector of childbirth, he was believed to ward off any demons that may corrupt the unborn child. Bes was worshipped in households to protect against any intruders, whether it be people or deadly animals. Although the deity was presented in a grotesque, intimidating way, Bes was very friendly and was symbolised with laughter, music and dance granting him many different qualities. Hence the representation of a dancing Bes, playing a tambourine.

Date: Circa 1069-744 BC

Period: Third Intermediate Period

Object Condition

Condition: Very fine condition. The necklace has been finished with a small gold-plated clasp, but please be aware that the clasp has not been professionally tied. The measurements given apply to the folded necklace.

Object Details

  • material
  • dimensions
    H:23.5 centimeters

Dealer Opening Times

By appointment only.

Dealer Contact

Telephone
+44 (0)208 364 4565
Mobile
+44 (0)7833231322
Web
Email

Dealer Location

The Gallery
Trent Park Equestrian Centre
Eastpole Farm House, Bramley Road
Oakwood, N14 4UW, United Kingdom

St James's Ancient Art
10 Charles II Street, Ground Floor
St James
London
SW1Y 4AA

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