String of Poppy and Palmette Pendants
Artist
Ancient Egyptian
DateNew Kingdom, about 1539–1077 BCE
Mediumcarnelian and glass frit
Dimensions27 cm (10 5/8 in.)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineMrs. Kingsmill Marrs Collection
Object number2001.118
Descriptionsingle strand of carnelian bottle pendants, carnelian round beads, carnelian palmettes and blue frit palmettesLabel TextNecklaces composed of poppy pendants were fashionable during the late Middle through the New Kingdom. Many were made of orange-red carnelian, carved in the round, and designed with the blossom heads facing downwards. Examples with flat undersides are thought to have been part of floral broad collars. It is believed that the poppies represented on these ornaments are the opium poppy, a species domesticated in Asia Minor and introduced into Egypt during the New Kingdom. Ancient texts suggest that the plant was primarily used for medicinal purposes.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.
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