The bead below for whatever reason had original flaws in the stone. The beadmaker instead of disposing of it or otherwise hiding them somehow, chose to embrace nature's imperfections by circling one on each side with the etching lines.

We romantically refer to this type of Dzi as an "Earth-Sky Door". The estimates vary, but over one thousand years ago who knows what it was called. Hopefully a thousand years from now when some future culture excavates our mess, they will appreciate the Wabi-Sabi-ness of this lovely ancient bead.

It reminds me of the human condition, in that no matter how much we strive to perform or improve, we must recognize and ultimately manage our original flaws.

Shut up Skipper, you talk too much...