Bead Necklace
Culture
Ancient Egyptian
DateMiddle Kingdom, about 1980–1760 BCE
Mediumamethyst
Dimensions54.6 cm (21 1/2 in.)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineMrs. Kingsmill Marrs Collection
Object number2001.113
Descriptionstring of graded amethyst beads, ball and oval beads, mottled light purple and white, semi-translucentLabel TextAmethyst was a fashionable stone during the Middle Kingdom and Ptolemaic Period. However, it was not part of the trio of stones (carnelian, lapis lazuli, and turquoise/amazonite) that held symbolic significance for the Egyptians, an attitude that probably limited its use. Mined in the Wadi el-Hudi region south-east of Aswan, the gemstone was primarily used in the fabrication of beads, amulets, miniature vessels, and small sculptures. Later Classical texts suggest that amethyst was worn to protect the wearer from drunkenness.ProvenanceFormerly of Mrs. Kingsmill Marrs Collection; bequeathed by Mrs. Kingsmill Marrs to the Worcester Art Museum, 1925–1926 as 1925.323; transformed in 2001 through conservation work.
On View
Not on view
Ancient Egyptian
possibly Middle Kingdom, about 1980–1760 BCE; gold mount: modern
Ancient Egyptian
New Kingdom, about 1539–1077 BCE to Late Period, about 664–332 BCE