Amethyst necklace
Artist
Ancient Egyptian
DateMiddle Kingdom
Mediumamethyst beads and amulets
Dimensions69.9 cm (27 1/2 in.)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineMrs. Kingsmill Marrs Collection
Object number2001.135
Descriptionsingle strand of amethyst beads, amulets, and scarab. Most of the amulets are falcons but some may be baboons, monkeys or animal heads. The beads are mostly round with some bi-conical and some oval.Label 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.
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