A Western Asiatic Banded Agate Bead Pendant, ca 1st millennium BCE 8mm bead scratch-resistant and resistant to deformation

scratch-resistant and resistant to deformation

indicating information

and the resulting disk was then sagged over or into a mold to give the object its shape

but also as used as currency

It is known in many names: Ten Sayings

A Western Asiatic Banded Agate Bead Pendant, ca 1st millennium BCE 8mm bead scratch-resistant and resistant to deformationWith its extra fine bands set in a soft matrix of white and maroon brown, agate was highly prized in ancient times for its scarcity, energy, and beauty. Of barrel shaped form, no doubt this pendant had great value as an exquisite and luxurious object illustrating the refinement and genius of the ancient artisan. The process of extraction, transportation, and craftsmanship of these beautiful hard stones required hours of labor, and such jewelry was