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Choice of strands of ancient mixed excavated nila bead strands from Timbuktu, Mali.
Bead sizes vary on these strands, but measure in the 3-6mm range diameter, 3-11 mm hole to hole. Approx 24 inches of beads / strand.
A large number of deep blue mixed strands are available. Bead strands photographed are representative of available strands. Yours will be similar.
These beads arrived in Mali via ancient trade routes to Djenne and are 600-1000 years old. They may have come from Asia and the Mediterranean as early as 300 BC and were re-discovered when excavations began on the old Djenne site in the early 1970's. Although Mali artifacts are prohibited from leaving the country, the beads don't fall under this restriction due to their origins.
In some cases, these beads were thought to be manufactured elsewhere and reworked by local glass smiths.
More info: Nila beads are the small monochrome 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.
Bead sizes vary on these strands, but measure in the 3-6mm range diameter, 3-11 mm hole to hole. 24 inches of beads.
Bead strands photographed are representative of available strands. Yours will be similar.
African Item 0856
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At the Rita Okrent Collection, we want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. Items purchased from the RitaOkrent.com website in sale-able condition can be returned for a full refund - please contact us within 30 days of receipt or 45 days of purchase to indicate that you will be returning your purchase (via email at help@ritaokrent.com or ritaokrent@gmail.com).
Customer is responsible for return shipping and insurance to the Rita Okrent Collection. Please ship your purchase back to us as soon as possible in order to expedite your refund. Your refund will be processed immediately upon return receipt of your purchase.
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Rita Okrent Collection
1585 Hillsmont Drive
El Cajon, California 92020
USA
Love the beads. Looking forward to using them .
Lynn
Great quality! I have purchased them multiple times and am very satisfied. Thank you.
Great...so happy,
Lynn
So so happy with my order.
Thanks,
Lynn
The very best hook and eye clasps that I can find these days!!! Thank you for keeping them stocked!!!!
Exactly what I was looking for and fast shipping!
Original piece that was exactly we were looking for it.
Necklaces were exactly as the description by the seller.
We were very pleased with purchasing from Rita.
Thanks.
positive positive positive positive positive
Beautiful unique beads well crafted!
Beautiful unique part well crafted!
These are the best clasps!
I bought Talhakimt Hair ornaments and they were just as pictured. I always love shopping at The Rita Okrent Collection!
Really beautiful beads! Matches description and photograph. Fast shipping, excellent packing and great communication between seller. Expectations exceeded. I did purchase two more upon receiving this one since so pleased with shop.
Beautiful, as expected. Excited to work with these cuties!
Long Strands of Tiny Faceted Sterling Silver Beads from the Thai Karen Hill Tribe - Rita Okrent Collection (NP104)
