Necklace with Fish Pendants and Cowrie Shells
Culture
Ancient Egyptian
DateNew Kingdom, about 1539–1077 BCE
Mediumcarnelian and gold
Dimensions54 cm (21 1/4 in.)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineMrs. Kingsmill Marrs Collection
Object number2001.117
DescriptionA girdle composed of gold fowl pendants, gold conch pendants and round carnelian beadsLabel TextNecklaces with multiple fish amulets made of precious metal and hardstones were popular New Kingdom adornments. When part of neck ornaments, the fish were often separated by beads or other amulets such as stylized cowrie shells. The fish in this example represents the Nile River tilapia, a symbol of rebirth and regeneration recognizable by their long dorsal fin.ProvenanceFormerly of Mrs. Kingsmill Marrs Collection; bequeathed by Mrs. Kingsmill Marrs to the Worcester Art Museum, 1925–1926 as 1925.411; transformed in 2001 through conservation work.
On View
Not on viewCollections
Ancient Egyptian
New Kingdom, about 1539–1077 BCE to Late Period, about 664–332 BCE
