Ancient Excavated Islamic Period Translucent Blue Glass Beads, Strand, Mali - AG111b

Ancient Excavated Islamic Period Translucent Blue Glass Beads, Strand, Mali - Rita Okrent Collection (AG111b)

These very special ancient excavated blue Islamic beads are found in Mauritania and Mali, specifically in the caravan towns of Timbuktu, Mopti, Djenne and Gao. They vary in design and wear, patina and iridescence, and are somewhere in between 600-1000 years old (or more). They have been buried for hundreds of years and may have once had eyes on them, or perhaps were made to be worn with eye beads. Blue is generally used traditionally for protection by Islamic and African societies and people, with or without the eye.

Round bead sizes range from 12-16mm each. 54 beads on the strand. 12 are oval, 42 are round. 28" of beads.

They make lovely beads for any collector, or for design in earrings or necklaces. Really a very beautiful and useful set of beads.

Ancient Glass Item 111b