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Necklace of Gold Ball Beads

Middle Kingdom
ca. 1981–1975 B.C.
Not on view
Five of Wah's necklaces were probably worn during his lifetime, although some may have been restrung for his burial. After Wah's mummy had been partially wrapped, this necklace of gold beads was tied around the neck. At the same level were three other necklaces: one made of silver beads (40.3.19); one made of blue faience beads (40.3.18); and one from beads of a variety of shapes and materials (40.3.16). The fifth necklace (40.3.15), made of blue faience beads, was found in a different layer of the mummy wrappings along with three scarab bracelets (40.3.12–40.3.14).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Necklace of Gold Ball Beads
  • Period: Middle Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 12
  • Reign: reign of Amenemhat I, early
  • Date: ca. 1981–1975 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Southern Asasif, Tomb of Wah (MMA 1102), Mummy, bandages at neck, MMA excavations, 1920
  • Medium: Gold, linen cord
  • Dimensions: Overall length of necklace 64 cm (25 3/16 in.); Diam. of beads 0.9–1.1 cm (3/8–7/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1940
  • Object Number: 40.3.17
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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