Ten Strands of Ancient Mesopotamian Shell & Stone Beads (Auction 2026-06-05, Lot 179)

$899.50

Near East, Mesopotamia, Sumer, ca. 3000 to 1000 BCE. A group of ten strands of ancient steatite and shell beads in tones of white, charcoal, and soft gray. The beads are small and evenly shaped, are presently loosely strung on modern monofilament for organization and display, offering a substantial quantity suitable for restringing into one or more wearable pieces of jewelry. Size of strands: 20″ L (50.8 cm); beads: 0.15″ W (0.4 cm)

Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005

Condition: Nicks and abrasions to beads as expected with age. Some mineral and earthen encrustations. Strung in modern times on monofilament wire, but not wearable. Can easily be restrung.