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Neolithic Citrine Quartz and Agate Stone Beads from the Sahara- Rita Okrent Collection (S422)

Size: Small

Neolithic citrine quartz and agate stone beads from the Sahara and Sahel regions of West Africa, made by hunter-gatherer societies who had not yet developed fine polishing and faceting techniques. Sold individually.

Why We Love These Beads

Each bead offers a rare window into some of the earliest bead-making techniques in Africa.

Variation of bead surfaces from rough to worn smooth with age — researchers have traced the knapping technique to specific quartz-bearing quarries in the region.

Research suggests Neolithic makers in Africa also experimented with heat and cooling to safely crack the quartz, and used similar methods to alter the color of some stones.

Provenance: Sourced from Neolithic settlements in the Sahara and Sahel, West Africa. Age: Estimated 5000 B.C.E. Dimensions: Sold individually, in four size ranges. Extra Large: up to 62mm (2.4 inches) diameter. Large: approx. 1.45–1.8 inches (36–47mm) diameter. Medium: approx. 1.1–1.4 inches (29–35mm) diameter. Small: up to approx. 1.1 inches (28mm) diameter, may run smaller at 21–28mm (0.8–1.1 inches).

Condition: Worn, but in good condition overall.

Stone Item 422

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