Description

Strand of ancient faience beads of superb turquoise colour.
Faience has likely origins in Egypt and is a glazed non-clay ceramic material, with quartz as its main component.
Beads made their way along the ancient caravan routes that crossed Timbuktu and Gao.
There are five rare beads with four facets.
Dating to the 1200-1600s, with authentic patina of age and wear.
Temporary stringing on nylon, but ready to be designed into a necklace.
23 beads – Collected in Mali.

Length of strand: 37 cm
Lengths:
15mm-26mm
Widths: 7mm-18mm

About ANCIENT BEADS
Beads are carriers of history and traditions and are as old as the beginning of human existence.
Islamic period beads traveled extensively along the trans-Saharan trade routes.
Their widespread distribution reflects the role of the Islamic world as a centre in medieval commerce.
Beads crossed continents, seas and deserts to be traded and valued as symbols of wealth and social rank.
Islamic glass bead production spans several centuries, and the production techniques are complex and varied.