Egypt, New Kingdom Period, 18th Dynasty, reign of Thutmose III, ca. 1479 to 1425 BCE. A petite fish bead molded from faience and coated in a blue-green glaze. The topside depicts the classic bolti (tilapia) fish with details such as stylized scales, fins, and a broad tail. The verso is incised with hieroglyphs of a bird and a feather of truth. Fish were important food source along the Nile and associated with several deities. This bead likely represents the Tilapia nilotica species, which was a symbol of fertility because the female carried her eggs in her mouth. This bead is pierced for suspension and could be strung on a cord to wear solo or with other beads. Size: 0.54" L x 0.34" W (1.4 cm x 0.9 cm)
For a similar example please see the Hood Museum of Art's website, accession number: 162.4.29056.
Provenance: ex-estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan , USA acquired before 2000
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#158968
Condition
Minor surface nicks. Details are very sharp. Nice retention of glazing and pigments. Pierced for suspension and could be strung and worn.