Green Glass Bracelet

China or Vietnam, circa 10th–13th century CE

Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum

This green glass bracelet is one of eight such bracelets recovered from the Brunei shipwreck. 

The Brunei shipwreck was accidentally found by a French oil company, Elf Petroleum Asia, on 24 May 1997. The discovery occurred during a geophysical survey for the installation of a petroleum pipeline from the Maharaja Lela and Jamalul Alam oil fields to Lumut at a depth of 63 metres. 

The bracelet, along with other artefacts, was recovered in two salvaging operations, during 1997 and 1998, respectively. These efforts involved 130 archaeologists from different countries including Brunei.

The origin of the bracelet can be traced to the production of green glass in China or Vietnam between the 10th to 13th centuries, a period when glass production began to increase and become a trade commodity. The bracelets may have been exported to kingdoms in Borneo, showing the jewellery fashion from the time. This is supported by findings of similar glass beads in archaeological excavations in Brunei. 

The green glass bracelets are rare artefacts that enhance our understanding of maritime trade relations and cross-cultural symbolism.