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Nepalese Pumtek Wood Bead Necklace: Old Dzi Bead Sideline
Nepalese Pumtek Wood Bead Necklace: Old Dzi Bead Sideline
Regular price
$162.50 CAD
Regular price
Sale price
$162.50 CAD
Shipping calculated at checkout.
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Bead size varies from 11 mm to 13mm,some beads approx. 42 mm x 12 mm and 28mm x 28mm.
The bead portion of the strand is 44 inches. Weight is 227.5 grams. These beads are all handmade and size may vary. See pictures.
The word Pumtek means "buried thunderbolt" in the Chin language and is currently the most widely adopted name for this unique group of beads.. In much the same way that the word dZi is the generic name for a large variety of decorated stone beads found in Tibet and the Himalayan regions. They were originally crafted in ancient times and can display a wealth of line decorated designs that are not found elsewhere. The Chin also have individual names for each bead type and the rarer designs are highly valued.
Pumtek are also unusual because they are created from silicified wood (also known as opalised, fossilised or petrified wood) and in some cases agate or chalcedony. This material is indigenous to Burma and Pumteks are therefore very distinct from other stone beads found in Asia. Pumtek have also traveled to neighboring countries, such as India and Thailand.
The earliest Pumtek (often highly contrasted black and white decorated stone beads) possibly date to 400 BCE. Early 20th century Burmese bead makers also adopted the name Pumtek for their own newly created fossil wood beads. These beads were designed to replicate the Pumtek found on their much prized heirloom necklaces. Wearing these beads was seen as a display of position and wealth within the tribal community and they also acted as protective amulets. Perhaps it was also believed that they were imbued with the power of past ancestors. To the untrained eye, 20th century beads are often confused with much earlier Pumtek because they so closely resemble each other. The Chin also mix antique an ancient beads on the same heirloom necklaces and this can often make it difficult to tell them apart.
The bead portion of the strand is 44 inches. Weight is 227.5 grams. These beads are all handmade and size may vary. See pictures.
The word Pumtek means "buried thunderbolt" in the Chin language and is currently the most widely adopted name for this unique group of beads.. In much the same way that the word dZi is the generic name for a large variety of decorated stone beads found in Tibet and the Himalayan regions. They were originally crafted in ancient times and can display a wealth of line decorated designs that are not found elsewhere. The Chin also have individual names for each bead type and the rarer designs are highly valued.
Pumtek are also unusual because they are created from silicified wood (also known as opalised, fossilised or petrified wood) and in some cases agate or chalcedony. This material is indigenous to Burma and Pumteks are therefore very distinct from other stone beads found in Asia. Pumtek have also traveled to neighboring countries, such as India and Thailand.
The earliest Pumtek (often highly contrasted black and white decorated stone beads) possibly date to 400 BCE. Early 20th century Burmese bead makers also adopted the name Pumtek for their own newly created fossil wood beads. These beads were designed to replicate the Pumtek found on their much prized heirloom necklaces. Wearing these beads was seen as a display of position and wealth within the tribal community and they also acted as protective amulets. Perhaps it was also believed that they were imbued with the power of past ancestors. To the untrained eye, 20th century beads are often confused with much earlier Pumtek because they so closely resemble each other. The Chin also mix antique an ancient beads on the same heirloom necklaces and this can often make it difficult to tell them apart.
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