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140+ amber and glass beads

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posted on 2021-10-27, 15:33 authored by Helena HamerowHelena Hamerow
Brent 1863, 319-20: Beads.-More than 140 beads were found in the grave. Of these, 133 are of red amber, but have lost all their external lustre from long contact with the soil. There are two of clay, large and ornamented with different-coloured striae, and some few of porcelain. The number much exceeds the quantity usually found, and the large proportion of amber beads probably attests the wealth of the deceased; amber, especially the bright red-coloured sort, being much esteemed and prized by the ancient people of Europe, not only as a charm against evil influences and poisons, but as being supposed to possess a preventative quality against certain diseases. In our further researches, although beads of a great variety were discovered, amber beads were comparatively rare.[1]Amber is found on the shores of the Baltic, and occasionally in our own coasts.[1] A curious little fragment of flat glass was also found in this grave, stained entirely through, and of that ruby colour which is supposed to be producible only by the use of gold, and to have been unknown till centuries after the date of this grave. The evidence for its having formed part of the original deposit of the grave is perhaps not complete: it may have been dropped later into the soil. If, however, it was originally there, it was probably of Roman manufacture, and treasured as a jewel. – T. G. F.Scattered beads one of which was joined to bronze fibula with small piece of wire. ?complete necklace or joined for safetyMore than 140 in grave: 133 red amber, 2 large striated clay, some few of porcelain.(Footnote [1] above)

History

Grave ID

Sarre Grave 4

Object ID

KAS289

Catalogue Number

KAS 289

Material

amber, glass (Sonia Hawkes Material Notes; amber, clay, porcelain) (Antiquarian Material; N/A)

Complete Keyword List (Including Alternatives)

beads (Sonia Hawkes Keyword; beads) (Antiquarian Keyword; beads)

Status

extant

Location

Maidstone Museum

Collection

Kent Archaeological Society

Category ID

bead

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    The Novum Inventorium Sepulchrale

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