Collar of Princess Khnumit

This collar ends with two hawk’s heads, one green and one blue; these were used the collar around the neck. Hieroglyphic symbols run along its centre, between two rows of gold beads, representing the words for life, stability, and protection, among others. Small tear-shaped pendants hand from the bottom of the collar. When discovered this collar was in pieces and has been restored. Gold, lapis lazuli, carnelian and turquoise.



From Dashur. Middle Kingdom, 12th Dynasty, ca. 1929-1897 BC. Now in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. JE 31116



Photo: Sandro Vannini