Bone beads have been around since the beginning of humankind. Beacause most early humans had to hunt their own animals they would use all parts of the animal. Bone beads were made from birds, snake vertabrey, deer, antler, ivory, cow, sheep, camel and many other animals.

Carved bone is a craft that has been used all over the world. Both China and Japan have been recognised specifically for mastering this craft over thousaninads of years. 

During the Edo period (1603-1867) in Japan, artisans and the craftsmanship of bone carving became prominent. One prized stylized fashion was known as the Ojime bead. It was used as a inro case cord fastener. The inro case was used on traditional kimonos. Many of these fine carved beads would take a craftsman 4 to 8 hours per bead. In China during the Zhou Dynasty

( 11th C.- 256 B.C. ) many carvers designs became more detailed and highly saought after. Jade, Ivory, and Bone were the materials of choice. Over time as Ivory became illegal, carved ivory beads increased in value and bone became more common to carve. There is still value in the antique art though, as more and more factories took over the role in bead making, less artisans took the time these to carve like they did in the past. The designs you see in carved beads are limited and rare, only so many are left circulating in the world today.