Asir

Asir (Osiris) - vintage faience tourist beads from Egypt: Mummy/pharaoh and scarabs; African Trade Beads, Krobos beads from Ghana, vintage(?) African glass beads; sterling findings.

Approx 26.75” L.

I found the Pharaoh/mummy in this great store in Ashland, OR; that is where I learned more about the faience beads (glazed earthenware). I knew they were Egyptian tourists beads from the 1940's and 1950's, I didn't know they were made in Europe for the Egyptians to sell to tourists...I also collect the scarab necklaces whenever I find them because I love the history and cool factor.

I added the Krobo beads (from Ghana), which are modern, and the vintage (or maybe antique) Trade Beads for contrast and color. The large African glass beads were a thrift store find, so I can’t say for sure what age, but they definitely add to the feel of the piece.

The piece is called Asir, which is one of the Egyptian translations of the name of Osiris, the Latin version of His name. If you are not familiar with Asir (Osiris), he is the God of fertility, alcohol, agriculture, the afterlife, and so much more in the Kemetic ( Egyptian ) pantheon, He is also the consort and brother to Aset (Isis).

I wanted a more “rustic” feel to this piece because it is inspired by pieces I have seen in museums from different tombs. It is a gender neutral piece to be enjoyed by everyone.