Feb 21, 2024
Poppy-Bead Necklace - Met Museum Collection
Inventory Number: 40.9.26 New Kingdom, Dynasty 18, ca. 1550–1295 B.C. Location Information: Location Unlisted
Description:
A large group of New Kingdom bead types are based on flowers or their buds. These elements are found in single strands of beads as well as broad collars, although flowers as components of broad collars seem to be most common after Hatshepsust's time. Two of the most popular floral beads depict the buds of poppies and of cornflowers. Both were staples of the Egyptian garden and were used to fashion fresh bouquets for shrines and floral broad collars. Because the buds of these flowers have a similar shape, it is sometimes difficult to be sure which one is represented.