An instant collection of wonderful ancient stone beads. This necklace has a nice variety of ancient banded agates, which were sourced in Nepal but probably originated in Afghanistan. The huge hard stone focal bead has been incised with what appears to be the cuneiform script (the meaning on this bead is unknown). This script was in use in Western Asia from around the 4th Millenium BCE to the 1st Century CE. The stone appears to be much harder than steatite so may be a variety of serpentine. There are some very colourful agates on this strand and one bead appears to be a damaged ancient Phum dZi. Many beads display a surface worn smooth from possibly hundreds of years of close contact to the body. A great group of beads!
1000 BCE to 300 CE + or - (The incised focal bead bead may be much earlier)
Condition: Very good
smallest agate 14.62 mm largest agate 27 mm
hard stonebead with inscriptions 32 mm x 29 mm
Total of 24 stone beads
length approx 20 inches