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Necklace of Graduated Ball Beads

Middle Kingdom
ca. 1981–1975 B.C.
Not on view
This necklace of graded blue faience ball beads was found lying over the chest of Wah's mummy in the same layer of wrappings as three scarab bracelets (40.3.12–40.3.14). The beads were strung on several strands of linen thread that were then sewn to the thicker ties of twisted linen cord. Tied around the mummy's neck in a slightly higher layer of wrappings were four necklaces: one of gold beads (40.3.17); one of silver beads (40.3.19); one strung with beads of a variety of shapes and materials (40.3.16); and another of blue faience beads (40.3.18). All five of these necklaces were probably worn by Wah during his lifetime.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Necklace of Graduated Ball Beads
  • Period: Middle Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 12
  • Reign: reign of Amenemhat I, early
  • Date: ca. 1981–1975 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Southern Asasif, Tomb of Wah (MMA 1102), Mummy, on chest over sternum, MMA excavations, 1920
  • Medium: Faience, linen cord
  • Dimensions: L. of necklace 52 cm (20 1/2 in.); diam. of beads 5.5–9.5 cm (2 3/16–3 3/4 in.)
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1940
  • Object Number: 40.3.15
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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