βπ€πππ ±πππ – How Beautiful This Is!β – I feel like this is the only appropriate phrase to describe this broad collar π ±π΄ππΊπ at the MET! I have used this Middle Egyptian phrase to describe broad collars π ±π΄ππΊππ¦ in past posts too! I just think they are gorgeous π€ pieces of jewelry especially this one, because it is so colorful!
In Middle Egyptian, the word for broad collar was π ±π΄ππΊπ (pronounced βwesekh) or simply just the determinative hieroglyph ππΊ could be used for the whole word.
The broad collar π ±π΄ππΊπ was the necklace of choice by both the gods πΉπΉπΉ and the pharaohs ππ»π¦. The broad collar π ±π΄ππΊπ reached peak popularity during the 18th Dynasty and this particular one was made during the reign of AkhenatenΒ ππππ³π ππ (c. 1353β1336 B.C.E.).
Broad collars π ±π΄ππΊππ¦ could be made of many different types of materials, including gold ππππ, but the one shown in this picture ππ ±π is made of colorful faience π£πππΈπΌ beads. The beads are each representative of a different plant ππ π°! The center row has blue ππΉππΏπΈπ₯, yellow, green π πΏππ, and red π§πππ cornflowers. Then there are three rows of dates (in yellow, green π πΏππ, and red π§πππ ), and the outer beads are white πππ³ lotus petals.
This broad collar π ±π΄ππΊπ looks like it is in almost perfect condition, however, the beads were re-strung during modern times!
Fun Fact: This broad collar π ±π΄ππΊπ is actually from the private collection of Howard Carter!