J13

Egyptian Pre-Dynastic ostrich shell necklace

An impressive and very finely preserved ostrich shell necklace composed of disc-shaped beads cut into graduating sizes.

Egypt, Pre-Dynastic period, c. 4th Millennium BC. The three cornelian beads are later, probably Roman period, c. 1st to 4th Century AD.

Intact as shown, wearable and re-strung on modern jeweller's wire with silver clasps. The similarity of the beads and their careful graduation in size strongly supports the supposition that they were originally part of the same necklace.

Size: 47 cms excluding clasps.