Ancient (2200-1700 BC) Bactrian Bronze Age Carnelian beads on 16.5-inch strand of assorted shapes including faceted bicones, coins, triangles, diamonds and round beads. Two beads appear to be "etched" carnelian. Largest 18mm, smallest 4mm
The bronze age Bactrian civilization occupied a mountainous region in norther Afghanistan where these beads were collected.
I bought them from a retired mining engineer who had worked there in the 1950s.
He bought the loose beads and had them strung by local villagers. Returning to Colorado he had the the beads dated and authenticated at the Denver Museum of Natural History. I am posting several strands, each one unique.
I am enchanted with these beads and have kept quite a few. I can't wait to string them with some of my Indian high karat gold!
I'm grouping them with the Ancient Glass to make them easier for collectors to find. They are also posted in the Gemstones Collection.
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