This is a bronze hexagonal bead, where a hollow tube in the center allows it to be strung. Beads are one of the oldest form of art and have been in use since the prehistoric times in Java. The use of beads in the Indonesian archipelago evolved from its use in funerary rites to being used as ceremonial prayer beads, adornment and as status symbols even today. Beads in the Indonesian archipelago are either made locally or came through trade with diverse countries such as Egypt, India, China, West Asia and Europe.