The Beads Found on the Hellenistic Period Settlement

Abstract

Beads are a common archaeological find in necropolises; however, they are rarely encountered in settlements. The beads and bead pendants made from various materials from the Hellenistic period burials stand out for their exceptional diversity. During the Hellenistic era, there was a noticeable shift in the development of material culture in Colchis (and in the ancient world in general), with the emergence of qualitatively new elements in both material and spiritual culture structures. In this regard, the glass (polychrome, monochrome) and semi-precious stone bead pendants found in Hellenistic period graves in southwestern Georgia are of particular interest. A comprehensive study of these beads will allow us to better understand jewelry-making, stone and bone processing, and glass production, as well as trace the evolution of the respective workshops. Beads and jewelry, in general, help us form a picture of ancient fashion and costumes. Changes in bead shapes and ornamentation, taking into account technological details (ornament, shape, material), also provide dating material. Specifically, dating significance is attached to elements such as polychrome decoration, pear-shaped and biconical forms, the so-called "sandwich" glass technique ("gilded" and "silvered" glass), and others. Thus, their detailed study will assist in dating archaeological sites and understanding jewelry production practices.