National Museum of Beirut – Jewelry

As I begin writing about the artifacts contained in the National Museum of Beirut, my enthusiasm carries me away and there ends up being too many favorites to fit into just one post.  So, I have divided the five original subheadings into separate posts.  This delivers two benefits: it allows me to indulge my enthusiasm and fit more in about each category and it means that you can navigate more easily to the subjects that hold your interest.  Whether you’re an enthusiast or just flicking through, I hope you enjoy this jewelry.

Jewelry

The pectoral (above, top) is one of the most famous pieces of the museum.  It is the pectoral of Ip Shemu Abi, king of Byblos and dates to around 1786 BC.  The falcon, with wings spread wide, dominates the centre while a scarab, flanked by two urael sit above the falcon.  One urael wears the crown of Upper Egypt while the other, that of Lower Egypt.

The lotus and scarab pendant (below) was smuggled out of the country and returned to Lebanon in 1930.  It is among a number of items that were smuggled out to be returned later.  Dated to the Bronze Age it resembles items and materials found in the royal tombs of Byblos, however it’s exact provenance remains undetermined.

This necklace made of precious metals and stones is dated to the 5th century BC.  It was found in a woman’s sarcophagus near Sidon.  It strikes me how similar necklaces are still popular today although I doubt that the materials and craftsmanship of most modern creations live up to this beauty.

Another favorite is this gold and amethyst cuff.  Discovered inside a tomb in Baalbeck it’s dated to the Roman period (64 BC – 395 AD).  Once again the materials shine and the craftsmanship looks, to my untrained eye, to be exquisite.  I actually really like the slightly bent shape and wonder if it is deliberate or due to its age.  Either way, I’d be happy to have it on my wrist today.

Another bracelet reminiscent of more modern pieces is this piece which features two ram heads at the ends.  There is a rosette motif and the surface is decorated in the repousse technique.  The motifs give it an oriental flavor.

The semiprecious stones set in this rectangular piece is from Beirut, dated to the 5th-6th Century AD.  I like the symmetrical design and wonder at where the stones might have originated.  It’s quite a little collection.

The necklace (above) features a large gold medallion and more semi-precious stones.  It’s very intricate with its central six petaled flower but would have also been a wonderful display of wealth and status.

There are many more pieces to enjoy, the above is only a small selection of my personal favorites.

Good To Know

See the other posts in the National Museum of Beirut series:

• Sarcophagi
• Mosaics

The exhibits are set out over three floors and it’s do-able in 2-3 hours, but really deserves more time.  Be sure to obtain the free guide available at the cloak room desk (just in front of the shop on the left as you enter).  Also, don’t miss the 15 minute introductory video which plays on the right side of the entrance.  This is a must see, it explains the history of the museum and the thought and care that has been taken to restore both the building and the exhibits after the devastation of the civil war.

Would I Return?

Yes.  By comparison to others Beirut National Museum is a relatively small museum but it has a rich history, not only in the exhibits but in the building and the story.  Don’t miss the introductory video, it had me in tears!