This collection of artifacts stems from the Hyksos era in Egypt, approximately between 1650–1550 B.C. The Hyksos, rulers of foreign origin governing Egypt, yielded a convergence of cultures, discernible in these artifacts.
The collection boasts a diverse assortment of items, encompassing pottery, jewelry, tools, and weaponry. The pottery showcases an amalgamation of influences; some pieces carry Egyptian bird motifs while others exhibit Mesopotamian coiling-snake designs. The majority are structured from clay, bearing markings of extensive use and duration, providing tangible links to the period.
The ornament fragments in the collection reflect the cosmopolitanism of the Hyksos epoch. Materials like lapis lazuli from Afghanistan and turquoise from Sinai highlight extensive trade networks during this period. The collection also holds scarab seals, crafted from various materials including faience, terracotta, and semi-precious stones, often inscribed with a combination of Near Eastern and Egyptian symbols; these factor into the Hyksos' interest in Egyptian funerary customs.
