Egyptian Faiance Beads

The New Kingdom of Egypt, c. 1550-1069 BC, Egypt.

This exquisite strand of archaic faience beads from the New Kingdom of Egypt reflects the artistry and symbolic depth of ancient Egyptian jewelry. Crafted from faience—a pioneering non-clay ceramic material known as tjehenet—these beads showcase a range of hues, from light turquoise and white to pale blue, colors symbolizing rejuvenation and rebirth in Egyptian culture.

The Egyptians prized faience for its vibrant resemblance to turquoise, made by blending quartz or sand with alkaline salts, lime, and metallic colorants like copper or cobalt. The color blue, in particular, was deeply significant, representing the life-giving Nile, the vast sky, and the broader universe.

Necklaces like this one were worn by people across all levels of society. Basic strands featured small beads of shell, bone, faience, metal, or glazed steatite, while more elaborate designs incorporated amulets representing protective symbols such as the uraeus-cobra, wedjat-eye of Horus, scarabs, or images of deities like Hathor. This charming faience bead strand is a timeless symbol of ancient Egypt's devotion to beauty, spirituality, and the connection between the wearer and the divine.

Good condition. Age-related wear. Minor cracks and abrasion. Length c. 41,0cm with approx. 220 unique beads. Beads collected in the early 20th century. Cotton string is modern. Individual bead size varies from 0,2 to 0,4cm. 

Provenance: Dutch private collection

References and further reading:

Egyptian Faiance: Technology and Production, Carolyn Riccardelli, Department of Objects Conservation, December 2017, The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Ancient Technology: Faiance Beads in the Garstang Museum, Garstang Museum of Archaeology.

Gifts of the Nile: Ancient Egyptian Faiance, Friedman, Florence Dunn, Thames and Hudson, London, 1998.