Cowrie Shell Girdle, Lion Bracelets, Bracelets with the Name of Amenemhat III, and Anklets of Princess Sithathoryunet

Unknown

ca. 1887–1813 B.C. · Gold, carnelian, turquoise, feldspar, pellets of copper-silver alloy · Egyptian Art

Along with the pectoral, these bracelets, anklets, and girdle seem to have belonged to a set of formal jewelry that may have been worn during a special rite. Although the objects share a color scheme, variations in manufacture suggest they were accumulated over time. All the pieces were reconstructed from loose elements found scattered around Sithathoryunet’s decayed boxes. The bracelets are inlaid with the name of King Amenemhat III. The girdle, whose shells have erotic associations, was worn around the hips. Each contains small pellets that would have made a soft sound when the woman walked or danced.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1887–1813 B.C.

Medium

Gold, carnelian, turquoise, feldspar, pellets of copper-silver alloy

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Rogers Fund and Henry Walters Gift, 1916