Notched Comma-Shaped Beads

These are relatively large comma-shaped beads that have multiple small magatama or small pieces carved out of the spine, belly, and sides of the parent piece. Produced from about the mid-5th century through around the 7th century, these can be found distributed throughout Japan from the Tohoku region to Kyushu, and even on the southern part of the Korean peninsula. All of them are carved from the pliable stone, steatite. There are many theories about their nature or origin based on their distinctive shape, but it is thought that they are some sort of mystical ritual implement having to do with hopes for proliferation.