Comma or Kidney Shaped Bead (Magatama)
Object Label
Magatama are comma-shaped beads that were worn by the upper classes of ancient Japan, possibly for protective as well as decorative purposes. The inspiration for the shape is unclear: it might imitate an animal claw or tooth, or it might be a stylized representation of a fetus. Similar beads are found in the tombs of social elites in Korea, illustrating strong ties between the ancient peoples of the two regions.
Caption
Comma or Kidney Shaped Bead (Magatama), 400 B.C.E. – 600 C.E.. Stone, 3/8 x 1 x 9/16 in. (1 x 2.5 x 1.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1909, Purchased with funds given by Thomas T. Barr, E. LeGrand Beers, Carll H. de Silver, Herman B. Stutzer, Colonel Robert B. Woodward and the Museum Collection Fund, 09.898.2. Creative Commons-BY
Collection
Collection
Title
Comma or Kidney Shaped Bead (Magatama)
Date
400 B.C.E. – 600 C.E.
Period
Yayoi or Kofun period
Geography
Place made: Japan
Medium
Stone
Classification
Dimensions
3/8 x 1 x 9/16 in. (1 x 2.5 x 1.5 cm)
Credit Line
Museum Expedition 1909, Purchased with funds given by Thomas T. Barr, E. LeGrand Beers, Carll H. de Silver, Herman B. Stutzer, Colonel Robert B. Woodward and the Museum Collection Fund
Accession Number
09.898.2
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
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