Collars & Necklaces

A large variety of beaded collars were made in ancient Egypt. From very early periods onwards tightly threaded beadwork made up the so-called Wesech collars. Later also other beaded collars were produced. Floral collars from the Amarna period (C14 BC) for example; a ‘translation’ of the true flower collars into a more endurable glass, semi-precious stones or Egyptian faience. Often tiny beads are used as spacers between the floral beads (see also this page).

That Egyptian broad collars can be best produced when molds are used, is one of the conclusions of the research on the beading technique of the collars. In the research reconstruction were made which gave interesting insight into patterns and beading techniques.

The tomb of the Two Sculptors at ancient Thebes gave crucial information on the use of molds. On a relief the production of a collar is shown using a mold (below top left). When a similar mold was used in the reconstruction of a floral collar (below right) it became clear that the size of the molds should be one and a half the size of the collar that is being produced and that the material of the mold should be soft enough to pin the collar to. Also, on the relief in the tomb it appears that in the center of the mold a ridge seems to have been positioned, a neckpiece, imitating the shape and size of the neck of the eventual wearer. The neckline of the constructed beadwork is placed and fixated up against this ridge. The center of the neckpiece of the board is hollow and can be used as container, holding loose beads that will be used in the further production of the collar.