A consideration of the involucre remains of Coix lacryma-jobi L. (Poaceae) in the Sampula Cemetery (2000 years BP), Xinjiang, China

Three clusters of necklaces made of involucres of Job's tears and glazed beads were found in the Sampula Cemetery (nearly 2000 years old) of Xinjiang, northwest China. A package of fruits including Panicum miliaceum, Hordeum vulgare var. nudum, and involucres of Job's tears have also been unearthed from the same cemetery. These are the most convincing evidence of Job's tears used as beads in earlier times. Moreover, the necklaces made of Job's tears are considered to have a connection with the Buddhist culture. There is also the possibility that plants of Job's tears have been cultivated and utilized by the indigenous people due to their commercial or religious importance.