Antique Pumtek Diamond EYE Pattern Etched Petrified Wood Asia Heirlooms Bead
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:626605 |
The word Pumtek means 'buried thunderbolt' in the Chin language and is currently the most widely adopted name, outside of Burma, for this unique group of beads. In much the same way that the word dZi (Wylie: gZi) is the generic name for a large variety of decorated stone beads found in Tibet and the Himalayan regions. They were originally crafted in ancient times and often display line decorated designs and unique motifs that are not found in any other bead making region. The Chin also... have individual names for each bead type and the rarer designs are highly valued.
Bracelet
Pumtek are also unusual because they are created from silicified wood (also known as opalised, fossilised or petrified wood) and in some cases agate or chalcedony. This material is indigenous to Burma and Pumteks are therefore very distinct from other stone beads found in Asia. Pumteks that have travelled as a result of trade can also be found in neighbouring countries such as India and Thailand. Today they are mainly seen on heirloom necklaces belonging to the Chin (also known as Kuki), a tribal group that can be found spread out from Northwestern Burma to Northeastern India.
In Burma the beads are referred to as Chin beads, beads originating in the Chin province in the North West of Burma. (Myanmar).
The décor of the Pyu beads is etched onto the bead. Geometric lines are the mainstay of the decorative style. A frequently seen symbol is the cruciform, a symbol originating in Indian Buddhism. This symbol represents to Buddhists ‘The four noble truths of the Buddha.Code: 0098
Bracelet
Pumtek are also unusual because they are created from silicified wood (also known as opalised, fossilised or petrified wood) and in some cases agate or chalcedony. This material is indigenous to Burma and Pumteks are therefore very distinct from other stone beads found in Asia. Pumteks that have travelled as a result of trade can also be found in neighbouring countries such as India and Thailand. Today they are mainly seen on heirloom necklaces belonging to the Chin (also known as Kuki), a tribal group that can be found spread out from Northwestern Burma to Northeastern India.
In Burma the beads are referred to as Chin beads, beads originating in the Chin province in the North West of Burma. (Myanmar).
The décor of the Pyu beads is etched onto the bead. Geometric lines are the mainstay of the decorative style. A frequently seen symbol is the cruciform, a symbol originating in Indian Buddhism. This symbol represents to Buddhists ‘The four noble truths of the Buddha.Code: 0098
