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Green and Blue Mixed Colors Ancient Glass Nila Beads, West Africa - Rita Okrent Collection (AT0897)

Length: 24 inch

Lovely 24 inch strands of small smooth short tube-shaped glass nila beads in mixed colors - primarily greens, blues and yellows. Bead sizes of 2-4+mm each (diameter).

One strand available in 54 inch length.

Found in West Africa, were used as currency / for trade. Antique/ancient beads.

These beads are clean and smooth and in good condition given their estimated age (circa 1400).

Photos show groups of strands. Strands are sold individually. Note the color variation when strands are backlit. Strands in photos are representative of available strands. All strands are fairly similar in length and mix of beads. Let us know if you have any specific color preferences and we'll do our best to meet them.

Background info:
Nila beads are the small Islamic 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 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 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.

From Jamey Allen, renowned bead expert: Islamic Period beads are approximately 1000 years old. Dating from between 900-1200 AD but they might be as early as 700 AD, and as late as 1400. In 1400 AD, Western Asian glass industries were destroyed by Tamerlane. And soon after, Egypt desisted as well. This is when Venice stepped in and became the glass maker for all of Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.

African Item 0897

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