Egyptian Bead Collection

Housed in five linen-covered boxes, covering Saqqara, Mereruka, Nubia, Middle Egypt, Thebes, Gebel, Tuna, Tutankhamun of the Valley of the Kings, Eighteenth Dynasty, and Abydos etc. 4.31 kg total, 26.5 x 16.5 x 6.5 cm each box



Property of archaeologist Stephanie Gee, N.W. London, UK, 1960s-1980s.

Stephanie Gee was a prominent archaeologist who took part in several expeditions in Egypt. She was a trusted assistant to the British-Australian archaeologist Veronica Seton-Williams, who excavated in Egypt, Britain, and the Near East. Stephanie also took part in the Tell El-Farâ'în expeditions of 1965-1968, and assisted Seton-Williams with preparing the 1966 expedition report. Their collaboration continued and Stephanie helped with the manuscript of Seton-Williams’ book ‘The Road to El-Aguzein’, a narrative account of her life that was first published in 1988.

Comprising a fragment of a clavus in white and purple linen and wool, S torsion, borders embroidered with pilasters, the central scene representing eagles alternating with geometric elements; a small fragment of another clavus, ornamented with running lions and fishes, borders with geometric patterns; a third fragment of a clavus, ornamented with vegetal patterns. 20 grams total including package, 6.1-15.6 cm



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.

The clavi are realised in tapestry technique, and the one with prominent figures has a rounded end. They were part of a tunic decoration and the presence of the Imperial eagle, not a common pattern, could refer to a military tunic.

Plaque with transverse piercing; four addorsed wedjat motifs with black detailing. 31.6 grams, 64 mm



Ex J Bird private collection. Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.