Egyptian cowrie shell clip earrings

Description

Size: 5/8″ x 1″

The cowrie shells were adapted from a belt found in a tomb at Abydos. The belt is now in the collection of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. This type of belt was worn by women in the Middle Kingdom (2040-1640 B.C.E.). Shells of this type may have amuletic significance.
24K antique gold-plate over pewter and brass clips.