Original String and Bead Assemblages

Abstract

The chapter provides a chronological and regional overview of trends in bead jewellery in Egypt from the Roman to late antique periods, and provides both a social interpretation of this material, and insights into wider topics such as trade connections, and the social transformations that occurred in late antiquity. It first sets out the material to be studied. Important data include a substantial number of tomb assemblages from Qau el-Kebir, which are newly context-dated. The chapter then provides an overview of trends, drawing on evidence from individual items, including those preserved exceptionally well through the survival of their original string. A chronological trend from more homogenous to more diverse assemblages is documented, which together with increasing levels of reuse of earlier bead types, and the much greater proportions of non-glass beads seen in the latest assemblages, suggests economic disruptions to production processes. Evidence of trade contacts between Egypt and other areas is documented, including links with Germanic areas, Iran, and the wider Indo-Pacific region. Two more specific investigations follow, first a consideration of ancient coloured string, especially red string, presenting evidence of its apotropaic function, and second an examination of evidence for curation, reuse, and heirloom status in bead assemblages and its interpretation from a social archaeology perspective, in which beads are shown to be important in constructing life course identities and affirming family lineages. It is also demonstrated through bead assemblages and pendants how the cultural lives of people in late antique Egypt show many similarities with other communities across the Byzantine world.