Ancient Neolithic Fossilised Shell Beads, Mali

Description

These ancient beads from the African Neolithic period are estimated to date from approximately 3,500-9,000 years ago.
Shaped and polished beads developed in Africa alongside the development of stone and tool industries of the same era.    
The surfaces of these excavated shell and branch coral beads is slightly powdery. Burial in the desert sands for thousands of years has resulted in their calcification.
During the transformation of shell into a fossilized state, its organic composition becomes altered and replaced with mineral substances. 
Each bead has been collected individually to make up this strand – Collected in Mali.

Length of strand: 66 cm (28 inches)
Beads lengths range from: 20-45 mm
Bead widths range from: 10-24 mm
Weight: 100 grams (3.6 oz)