Bead with Crocodiles

This elongated, slightly convex bead bears four simplified representations of crocodiles, each facing in the opposite direction from its neighbors. A branch-like motif fills the space between the animals, perhaps indicative of a marsh or similar watery environment. The fierce creatures would have served as apotropaic emblems to ward off actual crocodiles, and may have referred to the crocodile god Sobek. Carved from soft steatite (schist or "soapstone"), the bead was kiln-fired to harden it. Before firing, it was covered in a glaze made from powered quartz and copper, whose originally bluish color has faded to a light brown.