Ca. 2nd millennium BC. A schist bead of elongated, bi-conical shape is both elegant and practical, allowing it to be easily strung onto a necklace or other piece of jewelry. The central section of the bead is decorated with diagonal lines and a concentric circle design, adding depth and texture to the surface. At each end of the bead, an intricate net pattern is further embellished with a decorative collar. Bactria was an ancient region located in present-day Afghanistan and parts of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. It was a crossroads of civilizations and cultures, situated at the intersection of the Silk Road trade routes that connected China with the Mediterranean. Bactria was known for its thriving cities, including the famous city of Balkh, which was considered one of the great centers of learning and culture in the ancient world. The Bactrians were renowned for their art, which was influenced by the styles of neighboring civilizations, including Persia, Greece, and India.Size: L:73mm / W:27mm ; 80gProvenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.