Description

Strand of 23 ancient faience beads collected in Mali.
The beads display a striking turquoise-blue colour and an authentic patina acquired through centuries of age and use.

Faience is a glazed non-clay ceramic material composed primarily of quartz and is most closely associated with ancient Egypt, where it was widely used for beads, amulets, and ornaments. Similar beads circulated along the trans-Saharan caravan routes and were traded across West Africa for centuries.

The strand includes five unusual faceted beads and a variety of forms ranging from cylindrical to oval and biconical examples.
Dating from approximately 1200–1600 AD, the beads retain substantial surface deposits and wear consistent with their age.

Temporarily restrung on nylon and ready for study, collection, or future design use.

Collected in Mali.

Dimensions
Length of strand: 37 cm

Number of beads: 23

Bead lengths: 15–26 mm
Bead widths: 7–18 mm