{"product_id":"neolithic-citrine-quartz-and-agate-stone-beads-from-the-sahara-rita-okrent-collection-s422","title":"Neolithic Citrine Quartz and Agate Stone Beads from the Sahara- Rita Okrent Collection (S422)","description":"\u003cp\u003eNeolithic 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhy We Love These Beads\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach bead offers a rare window into some of the earliest bead-making techniques in Africa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVariation of bead surfaces from rough to worn smooth with age — researchers have traced the knapping technique to specific quartz-bearing quarries in the region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResearch 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvenance: 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).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Worn, but in good condition overall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStone Item 422\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Beads","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":1058845327372,"sku":"Stone Item 422","price":8.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":1130052288524,"sku":"Stone Item 423","price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large","offer_id":1130052321292,"sku":"Stone Item 424","price":16.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Extra Large","offer_id":32904217755733,"sku":null,"price":24.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2352\/4865\/files\/49A8E7C2-C086-4571-9C98-2D5D31C2D6BE_1_201_a.jpg?v=1784140686","url":"https:\/\/ritaokrent.com\/products\/neolithic-citrine-quartz-and-agate-stone-beads-from-the-sahara-rita-okrent-collection-s422","provider":"Rita Okrent Collection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}