An Egyptian Carnelian Poppy Bead Pendant, New Kingdom, ca. 1550 - 1295 BCE

A large group of New Kingdom bead types are based on flowers or their buds. These elements are found in single strands of beads as well as broad collars, although flowers as components of broad collars seem to be most common after Hatshepsut's time. Two of the most popular floral beads depict the buds of poppies and of cornflowers, such as this pretty pendant example.

Hand-carved from carnelian, a stone believed to hold magical powers, these flowers were staples of the Egyptian garden and were used to fashion fresh bouquets for shrines and floral broad collars. The Egyptians believed carnelian was endowed with magical powers; it caused the blood to circulate smoothly throughout the body, made the skin healthy and youthful, and was capable of warding off evil. Since wearing carnelian also makes one feel peaceful and slow to anger, it was theorized the color orange is the harmonious balance of passionate, creative red and bright, cheerful yellow, making it particularly soothing to wear. 

Medium: Carnelian

Dimensions: Amulet length: 1.5 cm (0.59 inches). Strung on an adjustable 18-inch chain of 18K yellow gold.

Condition: Intact and in excellent condition overall. Modern strung on an adjustable 18-inch chain of 18K yellow gold.

Provenance: Acquired in Egypt by Goddard and Josephine Cook Du Bois, New York between 1900 and 1907, exhibited Metropolitan Museum of Art (1920-1948), museum number: 45.930 (part).