Favorite Very Blue Glass Medium Sized Nila Beads from the West African Trade - Rita Okrent Collection (AT0422z)

Our favorite gorgeous very blue and teal ancient glass medium sized nila beads. This strand has a lovely mix of rich teal blue and faded blue beads, and two special beads with spikes (that may have been double beads at one time).

Age: Circa approximately 1200-1600 C. E. These early Islamic-era glass beads were found along ancient trade routes in Mali

Measurements: 27 inches / 69 cm of beads. The beads on this strand measure 5.4mm - 9.7mm diameter. 170 + beads on strand. 

Condition: Good. Note wear and loss of color on some beads. The beads' white patina from age and burial sometimes reveal more color when treated very gently with a tiny bit of olive oil (rub a little on your hands and then handle the beads). These beads can also be left as is.

More info:
Nila beads are the early Islamic-era glass beads that are widespread in West Africa, and are found in many colors and sizes. They are sometimes also referred to as Indo-Pacific or Trade Wind beads, in reference to the ocean streams and winds that, for centuries, were used by the Arab merchant ships bringing them from India to Africa. They often have oxidization patina from burial and age. Large quantities have been found along the river banks of the Niger river in Mali and buried in large quantities in clay pots, used as a form of currency. They are also found in the ground in parts of West Africa and Southeast Asia. The name "Nila" comes from the Sanskrit term for indigo.

As research and technology evolves, there is a greater ability to verify glass bead making by local manufacture in West Africa.
Some useful reference articles:
https://theconversation.com/how-we-found-the-earliest-glass-production-south-of-the-sahara-and-what-it-means-142059

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317775780_Ancient_History_of_Technology_in_West_Africa_The_Indigenous_GlassGlass_Bead_Industry_and_the_Society_in_Early_Ile-Ife_Southwest_Nigeria

African Item 0422z