A huge Tairona Quartz Bead, ca. 1st millennium CE

A very large and impressive barrel-shaped bead hand-carved from clear quartz, drilled longitudinally for suspension. From ancient times, quartz crystals have been a source of Light to mankind. Highly valued by spiritual leaders and healers, the unique attributes of quartz have played a key role in mankind's evolutionary development.  The Tairona people believed these stones to be alive, taking a breath once every hundred years or so, and incarnations of the Divine.  Dimensions: Length: 5 1/2 cm (2.16 inches) Condition: With expected ancient wear around the ends, intact and in excellent condition overall. Provenance: Private Florida collection, acquired early 1970s.