You are here

Pair of shell bracelets

mh_1911_25a_b_a_m_v1-cdm.jpg

Egyptian, Pair of shell bracelets
Photo Credit: 

Petegorsky/Gipe

mh_1911_25a_b_a_m_v2-cdm.jpg

Egyptian, Pair of shell bracelets
Photo Credit: 

Petegorsky/Gipe

Not On View
Unknown
Egyptian
Place made: 
Africa; Egypt; Abydos
Pair of shell bracelets, 1570-1185 BCE (New Kingdom, Dynasties 18-19)
Cowrie shells
Gift of the Egypt Exploration Fund
MH 1911.25a-b.A.M

According to ancient Egyptian belief, the body was required for use in the afterlife and every effort was taken to preserve it. After mummification, bodies were placed in rectangular or human-shaped coffins that sometimes had inlaid eyes. Coffins were often brightly painted, as is shown by the fragments with floral garlands and the sheltering wing of a deity. A winged scarab amulet sewn onto the mummy wrappings over the heart ensured the individual’s success at the time of judgment and, in later periods, bead netting covered the bandages. The dead frequently wore jewelry, including bracelets of cowrie shells, ivory, or other materials.

2016