Burmese pumtek bead pendant with silver chain option.

Total length about: 49 mm
Width of pumtek beadabout 12 mm
code 40

The word Pumtek means ‘buried thunderbolt’ in the Chin language and is currently the most widely adopted name for this unique group of beads. They were originally crafted in ancient times during the Pyu/Tircul period (or earlier) and they can come in a variety of shapes and sizes and display a diverse range of decorated motifs. The meaning of such designs has long since been lost to antiquity. Some types may have been inspired by the decorated stone beads of India or even Tibet, however, many are certainly unique to Pumtek and not found elsewhere. The Chin also have individual names for each bead type and the rarer designs are highly valued.