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One of the earliest and most spectacular surviving examples of ancient enamel jewelry, this bracelet consists of three hinged segments with applied gold appliqués and colored enamels. The appliqués were made separately and soldered onto a gold-sheet substrate, thereby creating areas of raised relief. Some of the applied elements, such as the hair of the goddess, have chased ornamentation, adding texture to the overall design. Set into the negative spaces between the raised-relief gold work are enamels that reiterate the blue, green, and red tri-color design scheme common in ancient Egypt. The use of red enamel, which was very difficult to produce, is unique among known Meroitic jewels. Meröe had a sophisticated glass industry; makers experimented with glass formulas and enamels, including the application of clear enamel on gold-foil glass beads and colored enamels on glass vessels.
Bracelet with image of Hathor
Nubian
Meroitic Period
250–100 B.C.
Findspot: Sudan, Nubia, Gebel Barkal, Pyramid 8
Medium/Technique
Gold, enamel
Dimensions
Overall: 1.8 x 5.7 x 5.1 cm (11/16 x 2 1/4 x 2 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number20.333
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Bracelets and armlets
One of the earliest and most spectacular surviving examples of ancient enamel jewelry, this bracelet consists of three hinged segments with applied gold appliqués and colored enamels. The appliqués were made separately and soldered onto a gold-sheet substrate, thereby creating areas of raised relief. Some of the applied elements, such as the hair of the goddess, have chased ornamentation, adding texture to the overall design. Set into the negative spaces between the raised-relief gold work are enamels that reiterate the blue, green, and red tri-color design scheme common in ancient Egypt. The use of red enamel, which was very difficult to produce, is unique among known Meroitic jewels. Meröe had a sophisticated glass industry; makers experimented with glass formulas and enamels, including the application of clear enamel on gold-foil glass beads and colored enamels on glass vessels.
DescriptionHinged bracelet of gold with enamel decoration showing a seated figure of the goddess Hathor and geometrical pattern; two hinges; loop on each end.
ProvenanceFrom Nubia (Sudan), Gebel Barkal, pyramid 8. 1916: excavated by the Harvard University-Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition; assigned to the MFA in the division of finds by the government of the Sudan.
(Accession date: March 1, 1920)
(Accession date: March 1, 1920)