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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2020.287
Title
Bead with Crocodiles
Classification
Jewelry
Work Type
jewelry
Date
750-650 BCE
Period
Late Period, Dynasty 25
Culture
Egyptian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/371009

Location

Location
Level 3, Room 3740, Ancient Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Art, Ancient Egypt: Art for Eternity
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Physical Descriptions

Medium
Glazed steatite
Dimensions
3.5 × 1.5 cm (1 3/8 × 9/16 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
[Kelekian Associates, New York, (by 1982-1985], sold; to Robert and Sally Huxley, New York (1985-2020), gift; to the Harvard Art Museums.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Robert and Sally Huxley in memory of the Kelekian Family
Accession Year
2020
Object Number
2020.287
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
This elongated, slightly convex bead bears four simplified representations of crocodiles, each facing in the opposite direction from its neighbors. A branch-like motif fills the space between the animals, perhaps indicative of a marsh or similar watery environment. The fierce creatures would have served as apotropaic emblems to ward off actual crocodiles, and may have referred to the crocodile god Sobek. Carved from soft steatite (schist or "soapstone"), the bead was kiln-fired to harden it. Before firing, it was covered in a glaze made from powered quartz and copper, whose originally bluish color has faded to a light brown.

Exhibition History

  • 32Q: 3740 Egyptian, Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 06/01/2022 - 05/01/2026

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu