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

This small bead, crafted from a light-colored stone and shaped like a tortoise, was likely created between 501 and 800 CE. The bead's modest size and detailed form, reminiscent of a tortoise's shell, highlights the artistic skill of the anonymous creator. The bead's presence in the Minneapolis Institute of Art allows viewers to connect with the artistry and craftsmanship of the past, highlighting the use of natural materials and the importance of the tortoise in ancient cultures.