Bead in the Shape of an Elephant c. 501 - 800

This small, carved green bead in the shape of an elephant, dating from 501 to 800 AD, is a testament to the skill of anonymous artisans. Carved from jade, the bead is a miniature representation of the animal, with a smooth, polished surface. Its diminutive size suggests it may have been part of a larger piece of jewelry, perhaps a necklace or bracelet. This bead, now housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is a reminder of the enduring artistic traditions of the past.