Ancient White and Cream Hues Calcified Shell Beads from the Sahara, Bicones- Rita Okrent Collection (ANT498)

These are unusual and really interesting beads.
Circa 1200-1600 A.D.

Available in a few variations: graduated bicones (small through large), mainly medium bicones, mainly small bicones and round edged (some faceted). Bead sizes range from 6-27 mm hole to hole (wide range of sizes).  Most strands have some level of graduation between beads.

Photos are representative of available strands.

Lightweight, but not fragile. Kind of chalky.Dust from calcification.

Would have been used for both adornment and currency.

Antique and Vintage Item 498