Head bead
Head bead
Place of OriginEastern Mediterranean
Date2nd century BCE - 4th century CE
DimensionsMax L: 1/2 in. (1.3 cm)
MediumGlass; molded and cut
ClassificationGlass
Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number
1980.1261
Not on View
DescriptionSmall yellow glass bead in shape of human head. Pierced behind ears for suspension. Very exaggerated caricature, with beak, nose, receding chin, beetled brow, and large protruding ears. Popular motif in Hellenistic Alexandrian art.
6th through 5th century BCE
500-450 BCE
Second half of the 1st century CE
161-169 CE
Late 7th through 5th century BCE
6th through 5th century BCE (possibly modern)
Early 1st millennium BCE
about 450-430 BCE
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