Sweret Bead

Middle Kingdom

ca. 2051–1981 B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 105

The "sweret" is a barrel-shaped bead of carnelian that was an important part of the mummy trappings from the early Middle Kingdom. It was usually worn at the throat and is seen in this position on early anthropoid coffins (see 11.150.15b). Swerets are also found in burials of the New Kingdom (see 126..8.113)

This sweret bead was found in the same tomb with a beautiful "sa" amulet and a wooden box for holding jewelry or cosmetics (25.3.255a–c)

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Sweret Bead
Period: Middle Kingdom
Dynasty: Dynasty 11
Date: ca. 2051–1981 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Deir el-Bahri, Temple of Mentuhotep II, North Triangular Court,, Pit 23 (tattooed woman), on body, MMA excavations, 1922–23
Medium: Carnelian
Dimensions: L. cm. 1.7 (11/16 in); diam. 0.9 cm (3/8 in)
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1925
Object Number: 25.3.252
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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