Hi, all. Here is a roughly shaped spherical carnelian bead from
Caesarea Maritima. It is much less finely worked
than the
Fatimid beads I posted previously, so dating is problematic. The most interesting feature may be the cup-shaped depression on one
side of the piercing, perhaps intended to allow a closer fit to the adjacent bead on the string. The hole is drilled from the
side opposite the depression, with a slight ridge of material remaining between them. I have a couple other semi-round carnelian beads from the same
area, but this is the only one with such a distinctive feature. I realize the spherical shape was in use for millennia, but any opinions on the
style and dating would be appreciated.
Thanks, V-drome
BCC BD8
Red/Orange Carnelian Bead
Uncertain Date-Caesarea Maritima
Translucent pale-orange carnelian bead, roughly spherical, with
subtle off-white and reddish-orange banding. Nicely polished
but with numerous surface imperfections. The bead is drilled
from one
side only with a rod drill(?), the hole terminating in a
cup-shaped depression, fashioned, perhaps, to allow a closer fitting
of any adjacent bead on the string. Maximum
diameter 8.0mm.
Ht: 7.0mm. Wt: 0.59gm. Surface find from the sand dunes near
Caesarea Maritima, 1971.
(click for larger pic)
