Due to custom regulations we can not ship outside the E.U. Please make sure you have an EU shipping address before bidding. Very large Phoenician / Roman glass bead with 14 eyes in white and black on a dark matrix and one central face mask (rare). Various white dots between the eyes. Diameter: ± 23,1 mm maximum Length: ± 70,6 mm The layered Eye beads are made by fusing different coloured glass rods, then cut in small pieces and pressed in a hot matrix. The belief in the 'Evil Eye' dates back about 5.000 years and is present in many ancient cultures around the Mediterranean area. They are used as an amulet or talisman to ward off the evil eye. The staring eyes are supposed to reflect the malicious gaze back to the sorcerer. Evil eye beads were popularised with the Phoenicians, Persians, Greeks, Romans and Ottomans. Good condition, some superficial hairlines (stable). Visible signs of wear consistent with age and use. See images. Certificate of Authenticity available upon request (pdf-document).