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

This small, green glass bead in the shape of a fish was crafted sometime between 501 and 800 AD. The bead, now housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, likely served as a decorative element in jewelry or clothing during the Early Medieval period. The glass is a mottled green, with some areas of yellow and brown, indicating the skilled craftsmanship of the anonymous artist who created it. The bead's small size and delicate form showcase the ingenuity and artistry of early glassmaking techniques.