Title
Bead
Year/Period
Unknown
Region
Java, Indonesia
Dimension
Object size: L 2 x W 1
Accession No.
1997-03821
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Andy Ng
This is a bronze lozenge-shape bead, where a hollow tube in the long axis 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.
