| Original Message: Re: Wound oval beads found in N Thailand |
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Hi Russ, I am surprised to see these large beads in the hands of Karen people, since I only know them to wear small beads, like strands of seedbeads. The beads you show have been discussed quite a lot at various forums. I resist the implication that they can have much in the way of a traditional ethnographic context, since I think these beads are much newer than some folks would like to believe. I first saw these in the marketplace (San Francisco) in 1974, as new imports. I would be very surprised if there were specimens from as early as the '60s, because we didn't see anything like these back then. Peter showed some of these 1970s Indian beads in his monograph from 1979, "The Glass Beads of India." The beads you show have also been passed-off as "Naga beads"—which is another context I disbelieve. I think it is based on the similarity of the shape of typical chank shell beads, used by Hill Tribe folks. Unfortunately, I can't find a significant photo I'd like to show.... Happy Holidays. Jamey All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users |
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