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

This small, intricately carved bead in the shape of a fish dates back to between 501 and 800 AD. The bead is carved from agate, a type of chalcedony, with alternating bands of black and white. It was likely part of a necklace or other adornment and is a testament to the skill of anonymous craftspeople from this period. This bead can be viewed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.