Bead in the Shape of a Conch Shell c. 501 - 800

This small, green glass bead, shaped like a conch shell, was crafted sometime between 501 and 800 CE by an unknown artist. The bead showcases the skill of ancient glassmakers, using techniques like the marvering process, which creates the characteristic swirls of color. This tiny artifact, now housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, provides a glimpse into the craftsmanship and decorative preferences of a long-ago civilization.