Ancient Neolithic to Bronze Age Carved Greenstone Spindle Whorl or Ritual Bead
This fascinating antiquity is an ancient greenstone spindle whorl or ritual bead, dating from the Neolithic period to the early Bronze Age, traditionally utilized as a functional tool for spinning fibers or worn as a tribal talisman. Expertly hand-shaped from a mottled, variegated dark-green hardstone or primitive nephrite jade, the artifact features a distinct, asymmetrical domed or truncated cone shape with a flat circular base. A characteristic ancient single-directional drilled hole (Dankong) pierces neatly through its core, showing a wider, funnel-like opening at the apex that narrows toward the bottom, all while boasting a time-softened matte patina deeply suffused with natural yellowish-brown soil encrustations and calcification veins from long-term earth burial. Height: 0.5 in. Diameter: 1.25 in. Provenance: Collection from Professor of University of Chicago in IL USA .
Condition
The ancient stone artifact is in excellent archaeological condition, showcasing a highly stable structure entirely free of modern fractures, catastrophic chips, or restoration. The primitive tool marks within the central bore and the organic irregularities along the rim remain beautifully preserved, with its historical authenticity enhanced by the intact, uncleaned earthen calcification deposits adhering deeply to the natural stone veins.
This fascinating antiquity is an ancient greenstone spindle whorl or ritual bead, dating from the Neolithic period to the early Bronze Age, traditionally utilized as a functional tool for spinning fibers or worn as a tribal talisman. Expertly hand-shaped from a mottled, variegated dark-green hardstone or primitive nephrite jade, the artifact features a distinct, asymmetrical domed or truncated cone shape with a flat circular base. A characteristic ancient single-directional drilled hole (Dankong) pierces neatly through its core, showing a wider, funnel-like opening at the apex that narrows toward the bottom, all while boasting a time-softened matte patina deeply suffused with natural yellowish-brown soil encrustations and calcification veins from long-term earth burial. Height: 0.5 in. Diameter: 1.25 in. Provenance: Collection from Professor of University of Chicago in IL USA .
Condition
The ancient stone artifact is in excellent archaeological condition, showcasing a highly stable structure entirely free of modern fractures, catastrophic chips, or restoration. The primitive tool marks within the central bore and the organic irregularities along the rim remain beautifully preserved, with its historical authenticity enhanced by the intact, uncleaned earthen calcification deposits adhering deeply to the natural stone veins.
