Bactrian Funerary Finding

Ancient Totem Amulet Charm from Bactria

Cicadas (Locusts) were found in the mouths of some burials in China, just over the mountain from Bactria.  Contact me with questions or for invoice through the private message form at the top right of this page.

Four Thousand Year Old Bactria Amulet Hand Carved Jade Totem

The ancient Bactrians lived on a trade route that dated from before 3000 B.C. and led from the Western shores of Asia to Northeastern China. The route had been active with trading activity long before the Bactrians settled there around 2500 B.C. However, the Bactrians added a lot of products and a great deal of exchange of cultural objects to the marketplaces of that enormous area.  

This particular amulet may have come from just over the Pamir mountains via the route that led from Bactria to Kashgar in what is now Northwestern China across the Taklamakan Desert to the Qijia culture settled on the upper reaches of the Yellow River. The jade colored stone cicada amulet fits the Qijia culture's use of the amulet and the stone is the color of Qijia jade pieces from China that I have seen in publications.

The cicada or locust insect has a life cycle that includes over a decade long period underground. Then when they rise from the underground stage, they fly over the land in loud and lively swarms eating all the vegetation in sight. It is this resurrection from under the earth that made the cicada the symbol of the resurrection into a lively existence once again. For this reason, the Neolithic cultures in Northeastern China placed an image carved much like the one in the photos above into the mouth of any deceased, in hope of the body's resurrection.

This is a fantastic addition to any collection. It is pierced and can be worn as a jewelry amulet. It measures 1 in x 0.25 in (2.5 cm x 0.7 cm)

Price: $250 U.S.  Contact me with questions or for invoice through the private message form at the top right of this page. 

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Product Attributes

Primary Material: Jade stone

Size: 1 inch

Pattern: Cicada

Color: Green