Necklace with Sa-Amulets of Senebtisi

Art Historical Context

Step into the world of ancient Egypt with the *Necklace with Samulets of Senebtisi*, a delicate jewel from the Middle Kingdom (ca. 1859–1770 B.C.), late Dynasty 12 to early Dynasty 13. This, likely belonging to a woman of high status named Senebtisi exemplifies the exquisite personal adornments crafted for Egypt's elite. Measuring just 24.5 cm long, it was designed to be worn close to the body, blending beauty with profound symbolism. The necklace features nine tiny sa-amulets—five original silver ones and four restored—strung with vibrant carnelian, feldspar, turquoise, and ivory beads, alongside silver ball beads and turquoise disk beads. Sa-amulets, evoking the protective embrace of the goddess or the word "protection" in ancient Egyptian, were powerful talismans believed to safeguard the wearer in life and the afterlife. The use of rare, colorful semi-precious stones and gleaming silver highlights advanced Middle Kingdom jewelry techniques, like precise carving and inlay, showcasing the era's mastery of materials sourced from distant lands. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1907 and now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Egyptian Art department, this piece offers a window into the spiritual and social life of ancient Egypt, where jewelry was far more than decoration—it was a shield for the soul.