A pretty necklace composed of approximately 150 matched Egyptian faience beads of tube and disc form with a central two-tone spiralled longer bead. The beads have been restrung with modern copper alloy clasps and cord, with a swan-neck hook and loop clasp to form a long necklace suitable for modern wear.
 
Egyptian Late Dynastic period: Circa 7th-4th century BC.
 
Very Fine condition.
Total necklace length 76 cms (30 ins) including the fastener.
 
Provenance: with Faustus Gallery, London, acquired between the 1970s-1990s.
 
Ancient Egyptian faience beads, often discovered in vast numbers within tombs are iconic archaeological finds. Because the original linen or papyrus threads decayed millennia ago, these beads are frequently restrung on modern cord to make them wearable or to recreate their original aesthetic.