Pair of Spiral Earrings (with 16.10.467)
Unknown Artist
ca. 1635–1458 B.C.
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
diam. 2.1 cm (13.16 in); w. 1 cm (3/8 in)
Classification
Earring
Period
Second Intermediate Period–Early New Kingdom
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1916
Accession Number
16.10.468
Art Historical Context
These delicate pair of spiral earrings, from gleaming gold around 1635–1458 B.C., hail from Egypt's Second Intermediate Period through the Early New Kingdom (Dynasties 17–18). Measuring just 2.1 cm in diameter and 1 cm wide, their petite spiral design exemplifies the exquisite jewelry-making of ancient Egyptian artisans, who transformed precious metal into wearable symbols of status and elegance. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 6, they now grace the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Egyptian Art collection. Gold held profound cultural significance in ancient Egypt, representing the flesh of th...