Description: A bichrome Egyptian faience spacer bead pierced horizontally to take three strings, one under each of three frogs seated on the pierced base. frog. The base and frogs are mid-blue with black on the heads. The back of the frogs each have three incised lines.
Collectors Mark: 314 marked in ink on base.
Cultural Significance: Beyond the decorative nature of the frogs on this spacer bead, which had a practical function in the broad collars and bracelets worn by the ancient Egyptians, the frog was a popular amulet, particularly in faience jewellery during Dynasty 18. Frogs were associated with the goddess Heqat who was associated with successful birth and also with rebirth in the afterlife.
Comparanda: Cleveland Museum of Art 1914.794; Boston MFA 12.660

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