Description

Ancient Islamic glass beads of rare oval shape.
Traded along the ancient Trans-Sahara caravan routes, in the regions of Djenne, Gao and Timbuktu.
The beads, in shades of rich translucent blues and green are in very good condition.
Some surface pitting, normal for beads of such great age.
Strand of 29 beads, 10th to 12th century.
Collected in Mali.

Length: 10mm to 22mm
Width: 5mm to 12mm
Strand: 46 cm (18″)

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.
The Trans-Saharan trade routes operated for over a millenium, with periods of peak activity.
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.