Dear Danny,
I think it is fascinating to find that these beads were indeed made earlier than I/we thought.
I do think you may have gotten a different idea from the earlier replies than intended.
You stated that you did not think it could be recent, because of the quality of work. I tried to show you that that was a possibility by showing some recent high quality Indonesian replicas. I also said that it could be an early replica, but that 20 years seemed early (never said impossible). In my first reply, I said: if it for sure older than 20 years, I do not know.
And now I do, and that is what I think these discussions are about.
A lot of information about beads comes to us through heresay, repeating what we are told, and sometimes assumptions. When assumptions get the status of 'fact' is when we get ourselves in trouble, because it stops us from learning.
I remember some of the things I thought I knew when I joined this forum. And my mind has changed many times. And I hope it continues to do so.
I was noticing that a lot of newer people looking for dates on beads are extremely resistant to being told they are actually newer beads or reproductions.
But I didn't get that sense from you, Danny, because of your experience, your integrity and your reputation on the forum. I got the sense that people were surprised by the new information--that these beads are actually older than we thought. It makes sense to me that 20 years ago, it might have taken more time for them to hit the international market. Just my thought, anyway.
I'm always interested to hear what you have to say! :^)
Hi Floor & Danny,
As copyists become more convincing, archaeologists are finding that chemical analysis can help date beads under consideration.
So, some of the beads currently held under suspicion may someday receive the recognition they properly deserve.
Hopefully this expensive research will someday become more affordable and available.
Just Fred
P.S. Had to re-register under a new name because -for some reason unknown to me-
my computer is not allowing me to post using my previous names and/or passwords.
I believe this may have something to do with the way Apple trainers reset everything.
