Necklace with disc beads and amulets

New Kingdom
ca. 1550–1425 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 114
This necklace is composed of tiny disk beads interspersed with a variety of amulets, including falcons, a frog, Tawerets, a lotus, bolti fish, a shell or bullae, a hand, and a "nefer" sign. Some amulets, such as the lotus, frog, and fish, symbolize fertility, while Taweret and the falcon offer protection. The "nefer" hieroglyph conveys a good wish. This necklace was one of three stored in a small jewelry box in a man's burial.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Necklace with disc beads and amulets
  • Period: New Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 18
  • Reign: reign of Ahmose–Thutmose III
  • Date: ca. 1550–1425 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Asasif, Tomb CC 37, Burial 53, Carnarvon/Carter excavations, 1911
  • Medium: Carnelian, gold, silver, faience, glass, yellow stone, tin
  • Dimensions: L. 37 cm (14 9/16 in)
    amulets: L. 0.5–1.1 cm (1/4–3/8 in)
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926
  • Object Number: 26.7.1375
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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