Set of 16 antique oval carnelian beads 17x12mm. Collected in Nagaland
These beads were symbols of status and wealth among the tribes.
All carnelian in India came from Cambay, in Gujarat, about 1400 miles from Nagaland. Apparently the Naga were such eager consumers of oval and round carnelian beads, that the merchants from Cambay sent, or carried, their best beads all the way across the sub-continent to meet the demand.
In turn the Naga people made sure to design their elaborate necklaces with the carnelians in front to show them off to best advantage.
Only one small set like this, but see also: ASG-171, ASG-163, ASG-165, ASG-169 and ASG-179 for other oval options.
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