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Well Worn Medium Sized Djenne Nila Beads with Teal - Rita Okrent Collection (AT0945b)

RARE FIND: only one in our inventory

A very pretty strand of excavated teal and pearly white medium glass nila beads.

Age: Circa 1200-1600 A.D. 

Size: 25+ inches of beads on this strand. Beads are graduated and range from approximately 4-10mm. "Medium" size range reference is a relative term comparing these to smaller glass nila bead strands from our shops.

Why we love this strand: 
A favorite strand due to the variation in teal beads, the pearlized  appearance of many of the white and off white beads and the lovely wear on all of the beads on this strand.
Lots to work with!

More info:
Nila / dardig beads are the Islamic-era glass beads than can be found in colors ranging from blue, green, red, black, white to yellow that are widespread in West Africa. They are sometimes also referred to as Indo-Pacific or Trade Winds 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 in the sands of the desert along ancient trade routes and along the banks of the Niger River in Mali or buried in large quantities in clay pots, used as a form of currency. The name "Nila" comes from the Sanskrit term for indigo.

African Item 0945b

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