Description
| ITEM | Face bead, probably Medusa |
| MATERIAL | Mosaic glass |
| CULTURE | Romano-Egyptian |
| PERIOD | 1st Century B.C – 1st Century A.D |
| DIMENSIONS | 13 mm diameter |
| CONDITION | Good condition |
| PROVENANCE | Ex Dutch private collection, acquired before 2000s |
The glass mosaic beads were created using a core-forming technique, where small glass pieces were arranged and fused onto a core of molten glass. This method allowed artisans to produce a wide range of patterns and colors, using materials like blue, green, red, yellow, and white glass, which were then molded into bead shapes. Some beads were made using a process known as cane glass, where glass rods were stretched and cut into small pieces to create a mosaic effect. The beads were often cylindrical, spherical, or disc-shaped, with some featuring additional decorative elements, such as gold leaf or inlays of semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli. These beads were then strung together to create necklaces, bracelets, or other forms of jewelry, reflecting the fusion of Roman luxury and Egyptian artistry.
