Long cylinder Pumtek with zig zag and stripes
decoration. (40.55 mm x 10.21 mm)

Small ancient two eyed dZi. Eyes contained within waves.

Small ancient three eyed dZi. Eyes contained within waves.

Small ancient Three Eyed dZi. Eyes contained within squares.

Small ancient Three Eyed dZi. Eyes contained within squares.

Small ancient Two Eyed dZi. Eyes contained within waves.

Pair of small ancient Three Eyed dZi. Eyes contained within waves.

Small ancient Three Eyed dZi. Closed eyes or dots contained within waves.

Coral heirloom beads (approx 2 cm diameter). 

From a private Tibetan collection.

A perfect matched pair of coral heirloom beads 

(approx 2 cm diameter). From a private Tibetan collection.

The ends of this Pumtek show clear signs of very old 

wear from being strung and worn with other beads.

The spherical bead with stripes and eyes (2nd from left) measures 16.34 mm.

The most commonly recognised decorations on spherical pumtek beads 

will be simple stripes, zig zag lines, circles (eyes), dots and diamonds 

(rhombuses). Sizes generall range from 7 mm to 20 mm, 

however, smaller and larger beads are also found.  

Early Pumtek bead with decoration that resembles the shell of the Burmese Star Tortoise.

Shell of the Burmese Star Tortoise.

Long fusiform/cylinder Pumtek bead (42.89 mm x 10.61 mm) with stripe decoration. Possibly intended to symbolise tiger stripes.

Mixed strand of early Pumtek beads.

Ancient pumtek (Pyu period or earlier).

Old amber bead set into a silver ring (possibly originates from Afghanistan). Sourced in Nepal from a Tibetan Muslim trader.

Mixed necklace of very old Pumtek beads (silicified wood*)
 including much earlier Pyu beads. 

*(geology) A material formed by the silicification of wood, generally in the form of opal or chalcedony, in such a manner as to preserve the original form and structure of the wood. Also known as agatized wood; opalized wood; petrified wood; woodstone.