broad collar of blue faience beads, an extraordinarily large example of funerary jewelry typical of the middle kingdom; blue glazed faience. Both heads generally cracked and chipped at beak.

Broad collar, 2040-1783 BCE

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Egyptian faienceexpand_more

Gift of Edward S. Harknessexpand_more  27.42.4

On View in Gallery 254expand_more

This broad collar with falcon head terminals is made of Egyptian faience, a glazed ceramic made not of clay but silica, one of the ingredients of glass. Its characteristic green color was likened to new plant shoots and was symbolic of regeneration, while its luster evoked the brilliance of the sun. Because Egyptians believed they could be reborn into the afterlife, these associations made faience the ideal material for funerary jewelry.

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Details
Title
Broad collar
Role
Artist
Accession Number
27.42.4
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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broad collar of blue faience beads, an extraordinarily large example of funerary jewelry typical of the middle kingdom; blue glazed faience. Both heads generally cracked and chipped at beak.