An Egyptian Red Jasper Sweret Bead Pendant, Middle Kingdom, ca. 2040 - 1783 BCE

In ancient Egypt, ornaments for the neck are a direct development of charms strung upon a cord. At one extreme, they become pectorals: at the other, collars. The pebble, polished, perforated, and threaded on a string of leather or linen, is one of the more common amulets found beginning in predynastic times.This primitive jewel survived in the barrel-shaped red jasper sweret-bead, becoming part of the essential personal adornments for funerary rituals during the Middle Kingdom. Hung around the neck or on the breast of the deceased, such beads were initially worn singularly on a cord tied closely to the throat or flanked either end by a round or cylindrical bead. This example, carved from fine red jasper - considered the "par excellence" of all red stones by the ancient Egyptians and linked with energy, dynamism, power, and even life itself - has been restrung on a modern 18-inch (45 cm) adjustable chain of 18K white gold.  Condition: Intact and in excellent condition overall.Dimensions