A slightly different news
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Rare Carnelian bead, Chinese artifacts found in Aklan
(philstar.com) | Updated September 16, 2014 - 8:00pm
KALIBO, Philippines (
Xinhua) - A rare Carnelian bead and Chinese artifacts, possibly dating back to the Ming Dynasty, were found by local archaeologists in Aklan.
Archaeologists from the National Museum of the Philippines said today that they have also discovered decorated earthenware, glass beads and human teeth in two caves located in Tigayon village in this town.
The National Museum excavated the caves of Tigayon Hill for four days after getting information that it is a treasure trove of cultural and archaeological artifacts.
Giovanni Bautista, a researcher at the National Museum, said the Carnelian bead is a semi-precious gem stone that is used as jewelry in some parts of the world.
The rare bead is trapezoid-shaped and is said to date back to the 16th century.
"What puzzles us is why a Cornelian bead was found at the caves here. The Chinese traders may have brought it here. Since we have seen only one piece, we believe there are more of these gems in the caves," said Bautista, adding that it was their "most important and interesting find."
He said he would recommend to the National Museum to conduct more diggings in other caves in Tigayon Hill.
Archaeologists noted that the first cave where they conducted excavation was a burial site while the second one appeared to have served as a place for making ceramics.
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Rare Carnelian bead, Chinese artifacts found in Aklan | Headlines, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com
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Rare bead artifact found in Aklan
by Jun Aguirre, September 16, 2014
KALIBO, Aklan—A rare type of bead has been found during the four-day archaeological digging inside two caves in Kalibo, Aklan.
National Museum Researcher Giovanni Bautista said the team found a piece of Carnelian bead, which is a semi-precious gem stone that is used as jewelry in India, Brazil, Siberia and Germany.
“What puzzles us is why a Carnelian bead has been found at the caves,” said Bautista, who led the three-man research team of the National Museum.
“The Chinese traders may have brought it here. Since we had only seen one piece, we believe they are still more of them that have to be unearthed,” added Bautista.
The National Museum team also found 15 kilos of teeth, earthen wares and other Chinese artifacts believed to trace back during the Ming Dynasty.
Bautista noted that the two caves of Tigayon Hill, which is the highest peak in Aklan, have different characteristics.
“The first cave may have been a burial site,” said Bautista as it is where the 15 kilos of human teeth were found.
“The second cave was where most artifacts were found including the ceramics,” he said.
With little time to explore the other caves, Bautista reiterated he will suggest to the National Museum to conduct more diggings at Tigayon Hill.
It was the local government of Kalibo that requested the National Museum to conduct archaeological excavation to provide more information that will boost its historical and cultural tourism.
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Rare bead artifact found in Aklan | Manila Bulletin | Latest Breaking News | News Philippines