#Adornments of the Nile: Jewelry of Ancient Egypt
Updated: Feb 19, 2023
The jewelry of Ancient Egypt showcases the exquisite jewelry of the ancient Egyptians. From simple and elegant adornments to more elaborate and ornate pieces, this collection highlights the skill and artistry of Egyptian jewelers.
This topic has been one of my favorite topics since I was a student in the Egyptology department in the faculty of arts at the Alexandria university. It's ancient Egyptian jewelry. Egyptian jewelry is a side of my favorite triangle in Egyptology, which consists of the ancient Egyptian language, The ancient Egyptian religion, and jewelry. It's challenging to cover this topic in one article, but I will try to cover the essential parts of it and keep it as simple as I can, and I hope you will enjoy reading about it.
The history and culture of Egyptian jewelry
For many years, Egyptian jewelry was a symbol of authority and luxury. Ancient Egyptians were masters of craft and produced some of the most exquisite and complicated jewelry ever made. Egyptian jewelry, which ranges from short necklaces and earrings to beautiful items like the ankh, is a treasured tradition for many women worldwide.
We can trace back Egyptian jewelry as far as the predynastic periods or stone ages as we found many pieces of jewelry like strings of beads, anklets, and belts date back to this period.
Title: String of beads
location: the Metropolitan museum of art
Period: Predynastic, Badarian
Date: ca. 4400–3800 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt, Northern Upper Egypt, Matmar, Tomb 6001, BSAE/Brunton excavations, 1931
Medium: Bone, serpentinite, shell
Dimensions: L. 15 cm (5 7/8 in)
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1932
Accession Number: 32.2.42
The creativity of the Egyptian artist continued until the end of the dynastic periods, passing through the period of the first and second dynasties, the period of the old kingdom, the middle kingdom, the new kingdom, and the intermediate periods between them. Not only that, but it also continued in the polemic and roman periods. I must mention here that we still can see the affections of the ancient Egyptian arts on modern Egyptian artists and handcrafted people all over Egypt.
The different types of Egyptian jewelry
Egyptian jewelry was created with various materials, including gold, silver, bronze, and semiprecious stones. Necklaces, earrings, and amulets were all popular items, often featuring intricate designs such as scarab beetles, lotus flowers, and deities. Rings were also popular and could be plain or elaborate, featuring symbols like the Eye of Horus. Both men and women wore collars and often featured characters such as the cobra and vulture. Bracelets and anklets were also standard and were usually made of silver or gold, with intricate designs and symbols.
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Necklaces and pectorals
It is always used for simple adornment but may also have had a particular ritual significance or spiritual meaning behind it, as the ( later ) book of the dead refers to, a 'spell for a golden collar to be placed on the throat of the deceased' (spell 158).
One of the most beautiful examples is the Pectoral and Necklace of Sithathoryunet with the Name of Senwosret II. Sithathoryunet was a royal woman, possibly the daughter of king Senwosert II.
This cloisonné pectoral is inlaid with 372 carefully cut pieces of semiprecious stones. The heraldic design is replete with symbolism. Zigzag lines on the base bar represent the primordial waters from which the ancient hill emerged. Each of the falcons, symbols of the sun god, clasps a circular hieroglyph meaning "encircled," thus declaring the solar deity's supreme power over the universe. The same hieroglyph, elongated to form a cartouche, encircles the throne name of Senwosret II, Khakheperre. Flanking the king's name are two ankh hieroglyphs (meaning "life") suspended from cobras whose tails are wound around the sun disk on the falcons' heads. These snakes represent Nekhbet and Udjo, the traditional protector goddesses of the king. Supporting the royal cartouche is the kneeling god Heh clutching two palm ribs, symbolizing "millions of years." Thus the king's life and existence in time are described as part of a universe created and sustained by the supreme sun god.
Title: Pectoral and Necklace of Sithathoryunet with the Name of Senwosret II Period: Middle Kingdom, ca. 1887–1878 B.C Reign: reign of Senwosret II Geography: Lahun, Tomb of Sithathoryunet Medium: Gold, carnelian, lapis lazuli, turquoise, garnet (pectoral), Gold, carnelian, lapis lazuli, turquoise, green feldspar (necklace)
Earrings
Ancient Egyptian earrings were a popular form of jewelry in the ancient world. They were often made of gold and precious stones and were decorated with intricate designs, often featuring gods and goddesses, scarabs, and other symbols. Earrings were worn by both men and women and were an essential part of a person's wardrobe. They were also believed to bring luck and protection to the wearer and were worn as a sign of wealth and power. Earrings were an important part of the daily lives of ancient Egyptians and were an essential part of their fashion.
Title: Earring with the head of lion-griffin
Period: Ptolemaic Period
Date: 4th–3rd century B.C.
Geography: From Egypt
Medium: Gold
Dimensions: As Worn: H. 3.4 × W. 3.3 cm (1 5/16 × 1 5/16 in.)
Credit Line: Gift of George and Florence Blumenthal, 1935
Accession Number: 35.6.1
Bracelet
Ancient Egyptian bracelets were made from various materials, including gold, silver, bronze, precious stones, and glass. They were often decorated with intricate designs, some even featuring hieroglyphs or images of gods and goddesses. These bracelets were believed to have magical and spiritual powers and were often worn for protection and good luck. Ancient Egyptian bracelets have been found in tombs, indicating that they were important symbols of status and wealth.
Title: Broad Bracelet of Sithathoryunet
Period: Middle Kingdom
Dynasty: Dynasty 12
Reign: reign of Senwosret II–Amenemhat III
Date: ca. 1887–1813 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt, Fayum Entrance Area, Lahun, Tomb of Sithathoryunet (BSA Tomb 8), Chamber E, box 1, BSAE excavations 1914
Medium: Gold, carnelian, turquoise, faience, Egyptian blue, lapis lazuli
Dimensions: L. 12.5 cm (4 15/16 in.); W. (clasp) 8 cm (3 1/8 in.)
Credit Line: Purchase, Rogers Fund and Henry Walters Gift, 1916
Accession Number: 16.1.8 https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/545534
Conclusion
The Jewelry of Ancient Egypt is a testament to the beauty and craftsmanship of the Egyptian people. From the intricate gold jewelry of the Pharaohs to the more common everyday jewelry of the people, it has been an essential part of their culture for centuries. The symbols and motifs used in the jewelry often tell stories about the wearer or represent their beliefs. The wide variety of materials used to create the pieces is a testament to the craftsmanship of the Egyptian people. The Jewelry of Ancient Egypt reflects the culture and creative spirit of the people who produced it and inspires jewelry designs today.
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