Set of 38 round carnelian beads 15-21mm strung as a necklace with a wrapped cord button closure. Collected in Nagaland 1980s
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-161, ASG-166, ASG-167 & ASG-156 for other round beads and several others for oval carnelians.
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