Bead

Magatama (Japanese), a curved comma shaped bead. Carved ridges in head of comma. Hole pierced through end. Brown stone with white spotting. Comma-shaped beads similar in style, manufacturing technique and material to 2314, 2315, 2316, 2317, 2318 and 2320 have been found at Jomon sites. The incised lines and the ridged backs are not uncommon. These items may have been objects of personal adornment which indicated relative wealth and social status among the villagers and/or may have served as a charm to protect the wearer. They may also have had some type of ceremonial context as they have been found in association with platformed areas which appear to have had a communal or ceremonial purpose in Jomon and Yayoi period sites. During the Kofun Period they are often found in burials adorning the neck, body and placed near the feet. Aside from burial offerings they also later symbolism is associated with the imperial househould.