Object Description
A very fine, restrung ancient Egyptian, beaded necklace featuring a fist amulet as a pendant. The body of the necklace is comprised of long, tubular light blue faience beads, separated by disc-shaped white, cream, and yellow spacer beads, dating to the New Kingdom Period (circa 1550-1070 BC). At the centre, an amulet in the form of a closed fist, made from light blue faience, and dating to the Roman Period (circa 30 BC-395 AD), acts as a pendant to the necklace. The five fingers of the fist have been carefully detailed, portraying the thumb pushed between the forefinger and middle-finger. This gesture was associated with fertility and sexuality. The cylindrical forearm is decorated at the wrist with a horizontal groove, possibly representing a bracelet. The amulet has been perforated horizontally for suspension. The necklace is fastened with a modern gold-plated clasp. Please note this clasp has not been professionally tied.
Date: Circa 1550 BC – AD 395
Period: New Kingdom – Roman Period