Ancient Mesopotamian Agate Necklace, Gold Capped Center Bow Bead, and Eye Beads

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About the Item

Ancient gold and agate beads from the period of the reign of Sennacherib, the king of ancient Assyria (704-681 B.C.). There are fourteen agate barrel beads, five agate bow beads, two agate tabular eye beads, two round lapis lazuli beads and twenty-two ancient gold beads. The clasp is the only modern element of the piece and is custom made from 20k gold. The center bow bead is capped with gold that has been decorated with twisted wire and filigree embellishments. The width at the widest point is 4 cm. The height of the bow at the center is 1.8 cm. The bead is 4 mm in thickness. There are twenty-two round gold beads with seven ribs, two of which are the end collars around the perforation. The larger ones are 8 mm in length and they diminish in size towards the back of the necklace where they are 6 mm in length. The agate bow beads are from 2.25 cm in length to 1.74 cm. The eye beads are 1.5- 1.55 cm in diameter. The agate barrel beads range from 3.3 cm in length to 1.45 cm at the back. All of the agate beads have the color combinations associated with ancient Mesopotamian agate beads (creamy white, light brown and dark brown, mostly opaque but with some areas of translucent quartz). There is reason to believe that the gold beads and the gold end caps on the center bead and some if not all of the agate beads were the products of the Isin-Larq culture of Old Babylonia in southern Mesopotamia. There is a magnificent gold capped agate bow bead and a pair of ribbed round gold beads in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (41.160.214 a-d) that are very similar. They are attributed to Old Babylonia, ca 19-18 century B.C. It is typical of the Assyrians to utilize ancient agate beads from previous Mesopotamian cultures, in some cases up to fifteen centuries before them. Probably the beads were taken in ancient times from the palaces and temples of enemies conquered in military campaigns. It was believed that the true ruler of Assyria was their principle god, Asher; the king was his earthly representative. At the behest of Ashur, the Assyrian kings led annual military campaigns to extend their empire. Some of the greatest gains were made under Sennacherib (reigning from 704-681 B.C.) and his father and predecessor Sargon II (reigning from 721-705 B.C.). At the empire's height, the Assyrians controlled lands from western Iran to the Mediterranean and from Egypt to Anatolia. At the time it was the largest empire that had ever been seen. The necklace is 27 7/8 inches (71 cm) in length. The necklace weighs 70 grams.

Creator:
David Ebbinghouse
Metal:
Gold
Stone:
Agate
Stone Cut:
Bead
Weight:
70 g
Dimensions:
Length: 27.96 in (710 mm)
Style:
Artist
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
15th Century and Earlier
Date of Manufacture:
Unknown
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. All elements in this necklace are ancient, except for the custom, handmade clasp which was manufactured by our expert goldsmith, Michael Winsten. It is made from 20k gold. See description for details. The quality of the beads and gold is pristine.
Seller Location:
Bloomington, IN
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU2425213810432

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