Faience is a glazed ceramic known for producing bright colours, especially blues, turquoises and greens. It is produced from quartz or sand crystals mixed with other compounds, finished with a vitreous alkaline glaze to the surface. Faience glimmers in the light and was believed by the Egyptians to represent rebirth and immortality. During the Predynastic period, only green and blue faience occurred. However, from the Old Kingdom onwards alternative colours such as black, yellow and red were added to the palette. It was used to create a wide range of items, from beads and amulets, to bowls and cups. Due to its mass production, it was also used frequently to imitate more expensive materials, for example turquoise faience to semi-precious turquoise. The idea in doing so meant that apotropaic values associated with a particular colour were still represented by the imitating faience.
In Ancient Egypt, flowers symbolised rebirth, with various species reopening every day after closing for the night. As such, they were extensively placed around homes and gardens, used for religious ceremonies and as decorative accessories. The Ancient Egyptians favoured many species, including lotus flowers, daisies, mandrakes, and poppies. Daisies, in particular, were used to soothe the skin and to aid digestion, as the chamomile extract from the plant placates irritation and puffiness.
To discover more about jewellery in the Ancient World, please visit our relevant post: Jewellery in Antiquity.
