---
node: garment_usekh
type: garment
slug: usekh
title: "Usekh collar"
lead: "The usekh is the wide beaded collar of ancient Egypt, a broad semicircle of strung beads that covered the chest and shoulders. Worn by the living and the dead, it was both jewellery and a charm of protection."
published: 2026-08-10
updated: 2026-08-10
image_file: usekh.jpg
image_source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Broad_collar_necklace_of_Wah.jpg"
image_author: "https://www.flickr.com/photos/unforth/"
image_license: "CC BY-SA 2.0"
---

## Overview

A usekh (or wesekh, the broad one) is a stiff collar built from many rows of tubular and disc beads of faience, gold, and semiprecious stone, ending in two shoulder terminals. Its weight was balanced by a counterpoise hung down the back.

## How it is worn

It is fastened around the neck so it lies flat over the chest and shoulders, the beaded rows fanning out from throat to breastbone, and steadied by the menat counterpoise behind. Gods, kings, and the mummified dead all wear it in Egyptian art.

## History

The usekh appears from the Old Kingdom and remained a staple of Egyptian adornment for the whole pharaonic age, made in gold for the elite and in cheap faience for humbler owners and for the tomb. Floral versions of fresh flowers and leaves were worn at banquets.