Bead

Date2500 BC-100 AD

MediumCrystal, string

DimensionsObject/Work: 345 mm

ClassificationsPersonal Ornament

Terms

Object numberC00232

Description11 Druidical crystal beads on a string made of colourless crystal. The beads have twisted ridges that spiral around each bead.

Druidism is an ancient belief system which pre dates Christianity and is associated with Celtic peoples in Britain and Europe. Druids were members of the educated, professional elite amongst Celtic clans.
It is hard to say how authentic they are as there was a strong interest and a revival of Druidism in the 17th century onwards. It's unlikely they are ancient but this possibility cannot be eliminated as yet. Henry Syer Cuming's catalogue entry makes it clear he thought them especially fine and rare.

On View

Not on view

Collections