Phoenician Faience Melon Bead Necklace

Carved in the round, the falcon seated on a rectangular base with outstretched talons, the wings neatly tucked against the body, incised detailing and drilled eyes; a small drilled depression on the top of the head; drilled longitudinally for suspension. 5.98 grams, 27 mm



From an early 20th century collection. Accompanied by a previous catalogue information slip.

Composed of polychrome beads in shades of brown annular shapes; modern clasp. 31 grams, 72 cm long



Acquired before 1979. From the private collection of Mr F. A., South Kensington, London, UK; thence by descent 2014.

For thousands of years, artisans in Egypt created vibrant ceramics to echo the beauty of rare jewels. These ornaments were created with almost every material, colour and texture imaginable and they come from across Egypt and beyond: vibrant blue lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, glossy black obsidian from Turkey, and aqua-green turquoise from the Sinai. They were worn in life and, after death, they served as precious ornamentation for mummies.

Restrung using mainly annular and tubular beads, with four larger oblate beads; central feature a large (5cm) Bes pendant, the god standing on a plinth and wearing an elaborate headdress. 18 grams, 56 cm



From the vendor's grandfather's collection, formed in the 1950s; thence by family descent circa 1974.

Bes became one of ancient Egypt's most popular apotropaic deities from the New Kingdom onwards. Despite his rather fearful appearance, Bes was the patron and protector of pregnant women and children. He was also believed to provide protection from snakes.