Rebecca Brach
Two Bracelets with Coral
A Matching Set
Two similarly designed bracelets with coral and carnelian were found during the 2019 excavation season in a burial alongside many other grave goods. Through careful excavation, the position of the beads was maintained within the grave and thoroughly documented prior to extraction. This allowed for a laboratory reconstruction of how they may have been strung. The materials include coral, carnelian, glass paste, and a few beads that may be jade and lapis lazuli. 1
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The two bracelets reconstructed based on the location of the beads in situ. Source
This was one of the richest graves found at the necropolis of Ilibalyk. A pair of earrings each with a small bunch of pearls was largely preserved. Three intact rings and an additional fragmented one were found, including one made of gold with a set turquoise. Two silver bracelets were worn alongside the beaded set. The fine line work of the silver bracelets and rings still convey intricacy and beauty in spite of more than 500 years spent in the ground. The design itself is particularly noteworthy, as is their apparent function as a matching set. This could indicate these objects were crafted specifically for this woman, having been commissioned with a design and material particular to her preferences.
Buried with a stunning variety of jewelry, the materials seen here are exotic, colorful, and evidence of both wealth and trade.
The four-petal rosette found on both the ends of the silver bracelets and the bezel of one of the rings has been the subject of some study. Several rings of a similar style have been found at Ilibalyk and in the region; in fact, two similar such rings were later found in the other burial containing a coral bracelet. The rosette, however, was a new discovery. Rosettes are common across Eurasia, but this particular design is seen across the Christian world 2. In the days of the early church, the rosette was often worn or incorporated into house art because of its dual function as reversible or ambiguous image. The flower petals were a recognized motif, but by focusing on the negative space in the background, the image of a cross becomes visible. This was particularly important to the early church as a means of representing their faith while under severe political and social persecution.
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Fine-line four-petaled rosette on the bezel of the ring. This same design is found on the ends of both bracelets. Source
The presence of such imagery in Ilibalyk is significant because it indicates not only a transmission of beliefs and ideology, but of history and art. It demonstrates the endurance of certain traditions and narratives even as a schism rocked the Church in the West and missionaries expressed uncertainty about the beliefs of Eastern Christians.
Bibliography
- Institute for Central Asian Studies, Archaeological Expertise LLP, Kazakhstan, and Tandy Institute for Archaeology. 2019. “Field Report on the Archaeological Excavations at Usharal-Ilibalyk, Kazakhstan in 2019.” Society for the Exploration of Eurasia. https://www.exploration-eurasia.com/inhalt_english/frameset_projekt_aC.html.
- Stewart, Charles Anthony. 2020. “The Four-Petal Almond Rosette in Central Asia.” Bulletin of IICAS (Samarkand) 30: 69–85. https://doi.org/10.34920/1694-5794-2020-36.