Beads
Early stone beads were pierced using a bow or pump drill, a method which required a lot of skill as the hole had to be drilled from both sided=s to avoid breakage.
Although beads are among the smallest of artefacts, they have played a prominent role in the cultural evolution of early Malaysian societies. Beads have been discovered at many of Malaysia's archaeological sites with some dating from as early as the Neolithic period. Long regarded as an essential part of human culture, beads have not only functioned as ornamental objects, but have also been used as currency, status symbols, gifts, marriage dowries and for religious and magical ceremonies.
- Information in the full article includes
- Origin and production
- Evidence of local production
- The enduring popularity of beads