String of Spherical and Melon-shaped Beads
Culture
Ancient Egyptian
DateLate Period, about 664–332 BCE
Mediumfaience
Dimensions48.5 × 1.5 cm (19 1/8 × 9/16 in.)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineMrs. Kingsmill Marrs Collection
Object number1925.418
DescriptionFrom Tel-el-Manna, Abydos from tomb of a king, Seti I or Rameses IILabel TextSpherical beads with longitudinal creases or striations, known as melon beads, are based on forms associated with lotus buds. They appear as early as Dynasty 1 and remained popular over the course of Egyptian history. The most common are made of blue faience and the use of yellow in this example suggests a New Kingdom date. During Classical times in ancient Nubia, dazzling gilded-glass melon beads were made and traded throughout the ancient Near East.ProvenanceFormerly of Mrs. Kingsmill Marrs Collection; bequeathed by Mrs. Kingsmill Marrs to the Worcester Art Museum, 1925–1926.
On View
Not on view
Ancient Egyptian
New Kingdom, about 1539–1077 BCE to Late Period, about 664–332 BCE