The ancient kingdom of Elam lay in the southern provinces of present-day Iran. The Elamites, like their great Mesopotamian neighbor to the south, were rules by a sequence of dynasties, and their cultured flourished from 2,000 BC to about 650 BC when they were conquered by Assurbanipal. The people of Elam had a distinctive artistic tradition, and their style can be recognized on artifacts that have been recovered.
Seals also serve as a source of information on personal adornment, and show a series of necklaces.
Beads were a popular adornment for men and women alike and were made from a variety of materials including stone, clay, and faience, and bone. The earth toned beads are made of fired clay, the blue beads are made of faience paste, and the buff beads are of carved bone. These beads have been carefully restrung as a 20 inch necklace with a modern clasp.