Ancient Beadwork

Swansea beadwork

 

The Wellcome Collection at the University College of Swansea (UK), contains an interesting collection of Egyptian beadwork dating to the Amarna period of Egyptian history (around C14 BC). The collection consists of beaded collars that were discovered in the Royal Wadi in Tell el-Amarna, presumably having been washed out of the tombs after a flood. The authenticity of the collection has been subject to much debate and the date of the composition has been questioned by the archaeologist Cyril Aldred. The former conservator of the collection, archaeologist Käte Bosse-Griffiths argued in favor of the authenticity. In 2007 Jolanda studied the beadwork and consulted the museum, the results of which will be published in the future.