Ancient Excavated Islamic Period Translucent Blue Glass and Eye Beads, 33 Inch Strand, Mali - Rita Okrent Collection (AG111c)

Ancient Excavated Islamic Period Translucent Blue Glass Beads, Strand, Mali.

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.

79 beads. 33 inches of beads not including raffia. All round except for 2 tabular beads.

Round bead sizes range from 8-18mm each.

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

Ancient Glass Item 111c