LONG BICONE LONG DONG SON BEADS - VIETNAM 700 B.C. TO 200 A.D.

I have to marvel at these long slender beads!
These striking Dong Son agate beads most probably originate from India.
They are very similar to the long carnelian Indus valley beads produced in the period
around 2500 B.C.


 DS - 83 * 12 * 8 mm
Click on pictures for larger images

The shine in this translucent 82mm long bead is awesome!
Also note the beautiful excavation patina on this gorgeous bead!
This bead was maybe never meant for daily use. It was only meant for wearing at special
religious occations with a funeral as the climax! I am quite sure that a bead like this was able to impress
the Gods recieving you on the other side. At least I consider this bead to be gift from the Gods.
As you can see the design has taken the human body into consideration.
The bead has been shaped in such a way that one side is polished into a flat
 bow form that makes the it follow the shape of the body.
Since the bead is translucent I have made a photo of a part of the hole.
Note how 'organic' the hole is.
 



 

DS1 - 58 * 9 mm

 


 DS2 - 55 * 10 mm

 
DS3 -  51 * 9 mm




 DS4 - 46 * 8 mm




 DS5 - 44 * 10 mm



 
DS6 - 40 * 11 mm




 DS7 - 38 * 9 mm




DS 8 -  35 * 10 mm




DS 9 - 34 * 9 mm




DS 10 - 33 * 9 mm




DS 11 - 33 * 10 mm




DS 12 - 33 * 8 mm




DS13 - 31 * 13 mm




 DS14 - 31 * 13 mm




 DS15 - 27 * 11 mm
 

 DS16 - 26 * 8 mm