Indus Valley Etched Orange Carnelian Bead Necklace String

CIRCA 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C. AND LATER

17 3/8 in. (16.5 grams, 44 cm long).

Composed of graduated polished beads etched with a white geometric design on both faces; restrung. [No Reserve]

Provenance

UK gallery, early 2000s.

Literature

Cf. Nandagopal, P., ‘Decorated Carnelian Beads from the Indus Civilization Site of Dholavira (Great Rann of Kachchha, Gujarat)’ in Frenez, D., Jamison, G.M., Randall, W.L., Vidale, M., Meadow, R.H., Walking with the Unicorn Social Organization and Material Culture in Ancient South Asia, Oxford, 2018, pp.475-485, figs.3,8,9.

Footnotes

Etched carnelian beads are characteristic of the Indus Valley culture and have been produced since the third millennium B.C. They are a typical product of the Harappa culture, but they are also attested in later millennia and produced elsewhere in Southeast Asia. The oldest specimens come from the Indus Valley and from Mesopotamia. A few specimens were found in the so-called royal cemetery of Ur, where they were identified in the excavation publication as coming from India.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process

AUCTIONS:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 2112