Bead c. 15th century

This simple bead, of unknown origin, is striking in its elemental form. Its circular shape, rendered in muted earthen tones, draws the eye into the darker void of the central perforation. Consider how this void, an absence, paradoxically defines the object. The bead's structure invites a semiotic reading, the hole suggesting not just physical passage but also symbolic entry—a gateway between states, perhaps. This play with positive and negative space is a constant theme in art. Furthermore, the rough texture and uneven edges of the bead contrast with its geometric shape, creating a tension between the planned and the incidental, the made and the found. This contrast destabilizes any easy categorization, prompting reflection on the object's creation. Ultimately, the bead's power lies in its formal simplicity. This functions as a cultural artifact reflecting ideas about value, exchange, and the human impulse to shape the world around us.