ca. 1550–30 BC. Egyptian. A necklace formed of restrung beads made of buff coloured faience and red carnelian, with three crocodile amulets made of blue glazed faience. Crocodiles were greatly feared in Egypt, but also worshipped as symbols and avatars of the god Sobek, whose crocodilian ferocity could (hopefully) be employed for the benefit of the Egyptians in protecting them and in war.Provenance: Private London collection; formerly acquired in the UK art market from 1960s-80s collections.Size: L:290mm / W:mm ; 7g