Indus Valley Natural Banded Agate "Eye Bead" Pectoral Talisman - 4500 Years Old | Zelnik Collection

This alluring Indus Valley agate bead, dating back to the 2nd millennium BCE, showcases an exceptional natural banded pattern with a rare brown-orange hue, making it a standout piece for any ancient jewelry collection.

Delve into the mystique of the Indus Valley civilization with this captivating agate eye bead. Measuring 59mm in width and weighing 70.3 grams, this pectoral talisman is a testament to the advanced lapidary skills of one of the world’s earliest urban societies. Its natural banded agate composition features a striking brown-orange color with contrasting white and black veins, which may have symbolized a protective gaze in ancient funeral rites.

The superb condition of this bead, alongside its wearability, indicates that it was not only an object of aesthetic value but also of significant ceremonial importance. The ancient, hand-made, and irregular holes—funnel-shaped for stringing—further authenticate its historical roots and its connection to the revered bead craftsmanship of the Indus Valley.

This piece's excellent state of preservation, with a clean surface that still maintains its antique patina, speaks to the care with which it was treated over millennia. Having once been part of the distinguished collection of Dr. István Zelnik, a former diplomat and esteemed Asian art collector, it brings with it an impressive provenance. Dr. Zelnik's collection is renowned for its quality and the scholarly research accompanying it, as reflected in his co-authorship of significant publications on Southeast Asian art.