The small red beads are glass beads that were among the most widely traded manufactured items in the ancient and medieval world. Archaeologists use the term "Indo-Pacific beads" for small, usually monochrome, drawn glass beads that originated in South Asia, particularly India. They are found from East Africa to Japan, making them important evidence of early international trade networks.
The earliest major production centers appear to have been in southern India, especially around the archaeological site of Arikamedu, beginning roughly between 300–200 BCE. Production later spread to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
These beads moved through vast maritime trade networks including:
East Africa and the Swahili Coast
Arabia and the Persian Gulf
India and Sri Lanka
Southeast Asia
China, Korea, and Japan
Even early medieval Europe in some cases
Many scholars consider Indo-Pacific beads among the most widely distributed trade goods in history.
Strung with modern freshwater pearls and gold-filled beads. Length: 17.5"