Description

Ancient Islamic beads necklace with beads in stunning translucent blue and green colours.
The ancient caravan routes that crossed the Sahara desert travelled through Djenne, Gao and Timbuktu, trading beads along the way.
This necklace of ancient beads contains eye beads, folded beads, plain beads and a large central eye bead.
Normal surface wear and some iridescence from centuries of burial in the desert sands.
Dating to the 10th and 12th century.

Height: 8mm to 20mm
Diameter: 10mm to 20mm
Length: 49,5 cm (19 1/2″)
Silver plated clasp and silver beads
40 beads

About ANCIENT BEADS
Beads are carriers of history and traditions and are as old as the beginnings of human existence.
Made of diverse materials, beads can be in stone, glass, shell, bone, metal and wood.
In their various shapes and materials, beads have passed through many hands.
They have crossed continents, seas and deserts to be traded and valued as symbols of wealth and social rank.
Islamic period glass eye beads are valued in middle eastern cultures, as magical and protective amulets with powers to avert the evil eye.