The Oldest Beads

by Dita Basu
(Bead-z-Mommy's Business)

Modern bead design in aventurine and coral, by Dita Basu.

Did we start jewelry designs before we could even talk?

I was finishing up my latest jewelry project when the thought came to my mind - When did the first jewelry design start?

Researching, I came upon some fascinating facts that I want to share with you:

The earliest jewelry designs were linked with the time when humans first started wearing clothes and using basic tools.

Experts thought that jewelry designs could not have started before people could use language or appreciate symbolism.

The earliest beads, with deliberate holes were found in Turkey, ostrich eggshell beads in Kenya and other parts of the world that were all of the same time period - some 40,000 to 45,000 years ago.

This is when humans started migrating from Africa to Europe and this is when language acquisition started too.

But very recent findings shake this theory.

Three beads were found in Europe with deliberate holes that are over 100,000 years old:

Several others were found in the coast of South Africa in Blombos Cave, that are 75,000 years old all with deliberately perforated holes.

Professor Henshilwood of the University of Bergen, Norway, told BBC News ("Oldest Jewelry", BBC News, June 22, 2006) that "...the beads carry a symbolic message."

They are just not accidental holes.

These are the oldest beads!

Then I wonder - did we start making jewelry even before we had language?

Well why not?

The word jewelry has its root from the Latin word, "jocale", which means "plaything".

We learn to play before we learn to talk - don't we?

knitted wire jewelry set by dita basu

Knitted Galaxy Necklace by Dita Basu,
inspired by a visit to the NASA Museum.
Sterling silver wire, antique crystals and tiny seed beads.

I've put together a timeline of the history of jewelry design.

It is fascinating to see how the passion of beading has evolved over all these years.

I am in the process of studying it - so please join me in this journey!

Dita Basu
Bead-z-Mommy's Business
Alankarshilpa blog
Alankarshilpa etsy shop

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The Oldest Beads

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Beads with a fascinating past
by: Rena

If only these ancient beads could talk!

I'm still wrapping my brain around the fact that three small beads made 100,000 years ago (!) haven't decomposed to dust by now - and that they were actually found.

Thanks for sharing this, Dita!

Thank You
by: Anonymous

Thank you so much ladies, for your feed backs.

I think it is fascinating to know the history of beads and how we have come such a long way, how still those antique styles inspire us with our jewelry making.

Follow me in this journey if you like in http:www.bead-z-mommys-business.com