The typology, production and adornment of Gandharan beads during the mid-3rd century BCE – 1st century CE: Preliminary results from Barikot, Swat, Pakistan

Abstract

This study of beads from the site of Barikot, Pakistan provides new perspectives on the typological and technological methods of bead production in use during the mid-3rd BCE – 1st century CE. Through the analysis of raw materials and bead types it also opens a window on the socio-economic and technological aspects of the Early Historic Period in the north-western subcontinent, specifically on the Greco-Bactrian, Indo-Greek and Saka-Parthian periods. This approach will also provide, by extension, important perspectives on adornment practises in use at Barikot. The site of Barikot has been stratigraphically excavated by the ISMEO Italian Archaeological Mission in Pakistan and is one of the few sites from this time period that has a chronology supported with numerous radiocarbon dates.