Princess Khenmet necklace

The necklace of Khenmet is surmounted by a strand of gold beads of increasing diameter towards the centre, consisting of six rows of gold beads. Four rows are formed by the succession of the hieroglyphs ankh, was, djed, symbolising life, power, stability respectively. At the ends of the necklace are attached two exquisite gold falcon heads.

This particular necklace was likely made to be worn by Khenmet in her lifetime, or it could have been intended as part of her burial goods to accompany her in the afterlife. Jewelry like this would have been a symbol of wealth, status, and divine favor, common to royal individuals.

The design reflects the intricate and symbolic nature of Egyptian jewelry, with beads arranged in specific patterns. Such pieces would not only have been aesthetic but would have also had symbolic meanings—associating the wearer with deities or providing protection in the afterlife.

Like other symbolic pieces of jewelry, usekh collars were placed among the linen wraps of the mummy to ward off evil from the deceased. The jewelry that accompanied the princess for eternity testify to the exceptional mastery that the goldsmiths of the 12th Dynasty had attained.

In ancient Egyptian art, necklaces were often richly adorned with gold, semi-precious stones, and intricate designs, symbolizing wealth, power, and divine favor. Popular motifs in Egyptian jewelry included the ankh, scarabs, and the Eye of Horus, which signified protection, life, and health. Royalty would often wear elaborate pieces to indicate their status and divine connection.

Middle Kingdom, 12th Dynasty, reign of Amenemhat II, ca. 1932-1898 BC. From the Tomb of Khenmet, Funerary Complex of Amenemhat II at Dahshur. Discovered in April 1894 by Jacques de Morgan. Now in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. JE 30942