Perforated discs made of various semi-precious stones date back to 5000 BC China. The labor involved in perfecting their shape and lustrous finish is a striking testimony to the reverence accorded them by ancient civilizations. The hole represents an opening, a gate so to speak, to the realm of the afterlife. Skilled shamans used Bi discs to communicate with other worlds. Protection from harm, a bountiful life, and safe travel were other benefits enjoyed by the owner. The opposite of Bi was a cube cut out of stone. It represented earth. The classic shape of this millennia old artifact is hand cut and polished from diverse materials selected for their color and beauty, such as black jasper and petrified coral. Red and green jasper are also available in limited numbers. All materials share the permanence of beauty and values that cross a seemingly unbridgeable cultural chasm.