Petrified Palmwood, "Pumtek," Burma, Varied Sizes, 40in Strand

Petrified Palmwood, "Pumtek," Burma (Myanmar), Varied Sizes, 1.5-3mm Hole

This price is for one 40 inch strand

40 inch strands have approx. 60 pieces

Pumtek beads (pronounced "poom-tek") are extraordinary artifacts from Myanmar, prized both as high-end collectibles and sacred talismans. The name literally translates to "buried thunderbolt" in the Chin language. For the Chin, Pumteks are "Mahooya" heirlooms. Historically, they were essential components of dowries and were used to settle major debts or tribal disputes. They are worn as amulets to protect the wearer from bad luck or "thunderbolts" misfortune.

Authentic Pumteks are crafted from petrified palm wood. Over millions of years, the organic wood grain of the borassus flabellifer palm was replaced by minerals. When you look closely at an authentic bead, you can often see the distinct, fibrous structural lines of the original wood grain preserved in stone.

The patterns are created using an alkali-resist etching process. A natural chemical paste is applied to the stone, which is then fired to create permanent, contrasting white lines against the dark background. The designs aren't just decorative; they often symbolize protection, status, or natural elements like the sun, moon, and tiger stripes.