magatamas
Magatama are curved, comma-shaped beads that originated in ancient Japan and neighboring regions. The name derives from Japanese magaru, meaning “to bend,” and tama, meaning “jewel” or “bead.” The form is a gently curved, teardrop-like silhouette with a drilled hole for stringing, and magatama vary in size from small personal ornaments to larger ceremonial beads.
Materials and manufacture have varied over time. Traditional magatama were crafted from jade, nephrite, or agate,
Historically, magatama appear in the Jōmon period (c. 14,000–300 BCE) as prestige items worn as pendants or
Cultural significance in Japan is strong. Magatama became one of the Imperial Regalia of Japan, the Yasakani
Today magatama are valued as archaeological artifacts and cultural symbols. They appear in museums, replicas, and