Sterling Alphabet Beads

The Bronze Age was a milestone of discovery for the world’s largest archipelagic state because narrative accounts had it that the period was the beginning of the art of sterling alphabet beads in Indonesia. As early as fifth century BC, there were items found all throughout the country. The most massive were the bronze drums called the Moon of Pejeng which has been adorned with gems made of carnelian, glass, gold and shell as well as with other metals.

In Brief

Since the birth of Christ, it was said that the natives who were living in the islands of Java and Sumatra were already practicing the cultivation of rice. Irrigation was abundantly developed together with the buffalo- drawn plows that were employed by the farmers in the fields. Due to their livelihood, the inhabitants were able to accumulate a great amount of wealth which ushered to their want of refinement especially in the area of jewelry. By 1000AD, the art of silver alphabet beads flourished in the world’s largest archipelagic state.

Ruling Dynasty

By the fourteenth century, the Majapahit Empire began to exercise their authoritative powers in the region of Bali. The kingdom enforced a caste system with themselves taking the highest position and the settlers on the lowest standing. In then entry of the sixteenth century, the district turned out to be the headquarters for the Hindus that were compelled to leave Java that has been wholly transformed to Islam. Not long after, the so- called conquerors were out of the picture and noblemen stepped into the shores who were responsible in presenting the art of the sterling alphabet beads.

Contemporary Era

The sterling alphabet beads of Indonesia are manufactured in a rural community identified as Celuk. The place has been living out a tradition that has withstood through the evolution of time considering that the country has already experienced a number of devastating calamities. The skills of the artisans have been handed down to them by their fathers. You can just imagine how old the craft is as you can trace the roots from age- old generations.

Look Back

Before the present customers that have been captivated by the charms of sterling alphabet beads, there were individuals who went ahead of them. They were the aristocrats coming from the nearby town of Gianyar. Owners of the highly- esteemed houses in Ubud and Sukawati were also their regular clients. Not to mention, a foreigner in the person of Arnoudt Lintgens, a Dutch sea captain, was very much impressed with the extravagant display of fine ornamentations that included daggers, parasol fittings and lances.

The people behind the art of the sterling alphabet beads may be of poor status but they are wealthy in knowledge that can never be taken away from them.