Pumtek beads are made from this Burmese petrified wood. They are also known as ‘buried thunder-bolt beads’. The origins of these beautiful rare beads begins over 1000 years ago. Made by the Pyu people , a Buddhist cultural croup characterised as peaceful and Affluent. The pyu people made the finest petrified wood beads and the decline of the Pyu period is parallel to the decline in the quality of the bead production. In Burma the beads are referred to as Chin beads, beads originating in the Chin province in the North West of Burma. (Myanmar). The décor of the Pyu beads is etched onto the bead. Geometric lines are the mainstay of the decorative style. A frequently seen symbol is the cruciform, a symbol originating in Indian Buddhism. This symbol represents to Buddhists ‘The four noble truths of the Buddha.’ This symbol unifies Buddhists societies from along the vast trade routes, despite their differences of customs and languages. Round beads: about 18mm. Registered, insured and well protected shipping.