Ancient bead were digged from the ground and is highly spiritual In the subsequent chapters, I will delve into the marvels of ancient bead production. While this is not intended to be a scholarly treatise, it does invite you to be intrigued and inspired.

The intricate process of bead making, dating back to the enigmatic Indus Valley civilization, necessitated a division of labor, with craftsmen specializing in different stages of manufacture. A single artisan was unlikely to execute all the steps involved in the creation of a bead, these being:

In some instances, each of these steps would be performed by a different individual. However, in other cases - varying by location and era - an artisan might possess expertise in several of these areas. This compartmentalization of bead-making labor can be traced back to the ancient Harappan culture 2500 BC. It underscores the earliest signs of urbanism, given that civilization inherently requires a division of labor. #joeboi #beautyme

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joy We'll commence our exploration by studying the surface of the bead and conclude at the bead hole. Over time, ancient beads acquire a sort of tarnish known as patina. Primarily, there are two types of patina: one created by time and earth, and the other by time and human skin. Firstly, we'll examine what I've termed as the 'sweat of the earth'. This patina takes shape over decades due to the combined effects of soil, dirt, and temperature fluctuations, triggering a chemical reaction on the surface of the stone bead.

Excavation Patina on Ancient Beads The term 'excavation patina' refers to the kind of patina a bead acquires, not from wear and tear, but from being buried underground for centuries. This patina can be classified into two categories: one that arises from the bead's interaction with the earth, and a more subtle sheen formed through th bead's exposure to air over thousands of years! This latter form can be observed in beads found in burial caskets. The first kind of patina I've opted to term Primarily, there are three types of soil in which beads. Mostly in most Eastern parts of Africa beads in exchange for commodities and other financial instruments. As the the names written on it implies it represents 4 different market day, Nkwo, Orie, Affor, Eke.