Bead

Unknown

possibly 8th century BCE · Bronze · Islamic Art

This gable-shaped object is perforated, suggesting that it was used as a bead, either as part of a piece of jewelry, or sewn on clothing. The incised signs on the top surface mimic Arabic script and are interpreted as a form of magic writing, used on a variety of objects of the 10th-14th centuries. It is, therefore, possible to postulate that this bead was worn on the body for protective and auspicious purposes. .

Artist

Unknown

Date

possibly 8th century BCE

Medium

Bronze

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, 1893