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Earring
Egyptian
Early Byzantine Period
6th-7th century
Medium/Technique
Bronze
Dimensions
Overall: 4.1 x 6.8 cm (1 5/8 x 2 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase with funds donated by Miss Mary S. Ames
Accession Number11.1514
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Earrings, flares, plugs, studs
DescriptionThe earring is made of bronze openwork wire filigree and consists of an open hoop and a roundel attached to it at the top. In addition, the hoop and the roundel are connected through two wire links, one on each side, soldered to the hoop with small round bronze discs (most likely in pairs, one for the front and the other for the back of the earring) resulting in a suspension effect of the roundel. The roundel is consists of a frame with a chain of figure “8” links and the center of four inward curled “C” shaped wires forming a large cross.
ProvenanceBy 1909: purchased in Egypt by Joseph Lindon Smith; 1909: on loan to the MFA; 1911: purchased by the MFA through funds provided by Mary S. Ames.
(Accession date: August 3, 1911.)
(Accession date: August 3, 1911.)