Beads – Object of the month for June 2024

The European Archaeology Days are celebrated in June. In this context, the Museu da Luz is taking the opportunity to launch a series associated with the object or objects of the month, dedicated to the archaeological collection associated with the excavations and studies carried out in the former church of Nossa Senhora da Luz, during the population shift.

The archaeological work uncovered nearly 1,000 rosary beads, or necklaces of various shapes, materials, and colors.

The beads displayed in base 1 stand out because they were found in a burial context (in a tomb) within the church.

The beads in base 2 stand out because they are the only ones containing 16 identical, transparent beads.

The beads in base 3 stand out for their large number and variety of colors.

October 10, 2025