Description

Ancient Islamic period eye beads of a beautiful translucent blue colour.
Found along the old caravan routes of Djenne, Timbuktu and Gao in Mali.
This strand of Islamic eyes beads contains beads with three, four, five and six eyes.
Overall condition is very good condition.
Temporary stringing.
Strand of 55 beads, 10th to 12th century.
Collected in Mali.

Height: 18mm to 14mm
Diameter: 10mm to 15mm
Strand: 61 cm (24″)

About ANCIENT BEADS
Beads are carriers of history and traditions and are as old as the beginnings of human existence.
Made of a diversity of materials, such as stone, glass, shell, bone, metal and wood, beads have passed through many hand.
Beads have crossed continents, seas and deserts to be traded and valued as symbols of wealth and social rank.
Islamic period blue glass beads, also known as Roman Period Beads, are easily identifiable by their patterns and techniques.
The matrix, or body of Islamic period eye beads, is of folded glass and it is in their molten state that trail decoration and eyes are applied.
Islamic period glass eye beads are valued in middle eastern cultures, as magical and protective amulets with powers to avert the evil eye.