Composed of varying shades of ancient blue and green glazed faience, this broad collar necklace is typical of the type of jewellery produced as part of every funerary outfit.  This example consists of a row of cylindrical beads strung on edge, with a row of cylindrical and spherical beads strung together lengthwise below.

Faience was a very versatile material and extremely well suited to making small items such as elements of jewellery.  It was cheap to make and could be used to manufacture jewellery on an industrial scale.The material, sometimes termed 'glazed composition' from the technique used, was produced by heating crushed quartz and natron, with a pigment, until they fused. 

Dimensions:  Bead edge length:  11 inches (28 cm), Height:  2 1/2 inches (6.4 cm)  Length with stringing: 24 inches (61 cm)

Condition:  intact and in very good condition overall, still with original 19th century cotton stringing.

Provenance:  Private Maine collection, acquired in Egypt in the 1890's and then by descent.