Long Strand of Old Blue Glass Koli Beads from Nigeria - Rita Okrent Collection (AT1810)

A lovely long strand of collectible Koli beads.

Old Koli/ Segi tubular drawn glass beads were produced in Germany and traded extensively by the Portuguese for gold in Africa, who acquired them from the Yoruba people.Generally these beads come out of Nigeria but are found in other parts of West Africa as well. They are also referred to  Cori, Kor, Accori, or Ekeur beads.

Age: Circa 1800's-1900's. This strand contains a mix of shades and lengths of beads. It is very difficult to specifically date beads - a few beads on this strand are in very good condition, and may be less old than the other beads on this strand.

Measurements: 34 inches of beads. 59 beads on strand. Beads measure 6-26mm length, 4-6mm diameter.
African Item 1810