Introduction

Archaeologists studying different periods of South Asian prehistory have always considered the importance of beads for understanding the development of specific manufacturing technologies, ornament styles and even trade networks. While some of the earliest studies of beads were somewhat generalized, over time archaeologists have developed very detailed methodologies for identifying the manufacturing technologies used for different materials, as well as the typologies needed to adequately define and differentiate beads of different shapes and designs. With the development of more refined methods of scientific materials analysis, it has also been possible to better define the raw materials used to produce beads and to source some of these materials to specific regions of the Indian sub-continent and beyond. The study of beads from Barikot presented in this volume represents the first time that a comprehensive collection of beads from the Early Historic period have been studied using these latest methodologies and scientific approaches. This study builds on earlier studies of prehistoric bead technologies that were carried out at sites such as Mehrgarh, Nausharo and Harappa, using generally comparable terminology and methods. However, during the first millennium BCE and on into later time periods, new drilling technologies and new types of raw materials began to be utilized for bead making. It is important to note that beads from these later periods have unique features that are not seen in beads from the prehistoric sites. The most important new development is the perforation of hard stone beads using diamond tipped drills as well as a drilling technology using a fine abrasive and very thin tapering metal drill. This later technology is still not clearly understood, but is seen in many of the beads found at Barikot as well as other sites such as the Mauryan, Indo-Greek and Kushana period occupations at Taxila (Bhir Mound and Sirkap) as well as at many contemporaneous sites in peninsular India. The fact that the beads at Barikot have been recovered from well documented and chronologically defined stratigraphic layers makes this assemblage extremely important in the overall study of South Asian bead industries. The presentation of the individual beads with proper orientation as proposed by Horace Beck and others, along with measurements, raw material identification and other manufacturing details, provides an important model for other researchers who arein the process of documenting their bead assemblages. The detailed documentation provided in this study will be a very useful comparative guide for understanding the development of the bead industries at sites throughout Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and beyond. (from the Foreword by M.J. Kenoyer).