Bead in the Shape of a Fish c. 501 - 800

This small, carved bead in the shape of a fish is an example of early Mesoamerican art from around 501 to 800 AD. The bead is made of a light, translucent material that may be calcite or alabaster. The details of the fish's form have been carved into the surface of the bead, demonstrating the skill and artistry of ancient Mesoamerican craftsmen. This small bead is a reminder of the rich artistic tradition of Mesoamerica, which flourished for centuries before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century.