Gallery

A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.

Ethnic Jewelry

Posted by Claude Watson on December 29, 2013 at 5:13am

Hi,Just wanted to share a few photos of Ethnic/Tribal necklaces from Bamiyan ,Afghanistan.I added the Turquoise beads for spacing only as I restrung these.These are the "Warring States Beads" or Dragonfly eye beads as commonly referred to.2500-3500 years old,or perhaps earlier.These were worn by the Buddhist Monks that lived in that area. I will send other photos at a later date,if that's ok!Regards,Clinton

Comments

ingrid Langerak December 29, 2013 at 8:25am

The age!,unbelievable, are they made of clay? until when did they produce these? Old Murano beads do also have similar beads with the eyes popping up but they are made of glass. Have these beads been in use since that period ?
Patricia Deany December 29, 2013 at 8:36am

Thanks wonderful beads! I had the luck of being in Bamiyan before the destruction of the Buddhas. Have you been there?
ait ouakli December 29, 2013 at 11:14am

Much earlier than the date wroten. Nice foto
Chantal December 29, 2013 at 11:24am

Beautiful beads . Never seen such like before. Where did you get them Claude (Clinton?)?
Betty December 29, 2013 at 1:10pm

These beads are also new to me. Very fancy with their cheerful "icing-on-the cake" decoration.

Like Ingrid, I am stunned at their presumed age. They certainly seem to be in great shape!
ait ouakli December 29, 2013 at 1:46pm

Clinton. I have no idea where and from who you bought them. I agree with betty and ingrid . My english is not so good. I ment earlyer than the date you write. Recent. I have some semilar beads work and documented as 2000 until 5000 bc but thex are only 2000 ubtil 5000 hours before today. I think i alreadyposted some. I try to add again
SARAH CORBETT December 29, 2013 at 11:33pm

This style of beads is called a stratified eye bead the early exapmles are Phonecian and generally dated as from the 3rd century BC.

these beads are widely faked in Afghanistan and elsewhere.. the colour palette of the originals is key in identification re authenticity.

S x
SARAH CORBETT December 29, 2013 at 11:34pm

these are images of an original Authentic bead from two angles...note the tapered perforation..and thesmoothness of the raised areas and also the particular quality of the ancient glass and colours.

S x
christine lee December 30, 2013 at 12:13am

Warring States is a dynasty name in China roughly 700-200 BC. It's the time period when the majority of these glass beads found in tombs date. Buddhism entered Central Asia and East Asia around 300 BC. The Warring States beads have no connection to the religion.
Stefany Tomalin December 30, 2013 at 8:48am

hello mr Watson

i am trying to send you a private message about the beads you show but you have to accept my friend request in order to receive it.

Stefany