Description

Ancient ostrich egg shell heishi beads dating back to the Neolithic Period or earlier.
As a result of burial in the ground for thousands of years, they have calcified, a very desirable feature.
Acquired loose in the region of Timbuktu, the beads were later strung on nylon thread.
Collected in Mali.

Average diameter of beads: 5 to 8 mm
Length of strand: 74 cm (29 inches)