String of 27 Eye Beads
Unknown Artist
6th–3rd century BC
Medium
Glass
Dimensions
L. 7.8 cm (3 1/16 in.)
Classification
Necklace, beads
Period
Late Period–Ptolemaic Period
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Helen Miller Gould, 1910
Accession Number
10.130.3041
Art Historical Context
Behold the delicate *String of 27 Eyeads*, a captivating artifact from ancient Egypt's Late Period to Ptolemaic era (6th–3rd century). Crafted from vibrant glass, this necklace measures just 7.8 cm long, yet packs a powerful punch of symbolism. Each bead features the iconic eye motif—likely evoking the protective Wedjat eye of Horus—strung together in a simple yet elegant line, perfect for adorning a wrist or neck. Glassmaking flourished in Egypt during this time, with artisans mastering the art of molding colorful rods into intricate beads. These eye beads served as potent amulets, believed ...