Description

Strand combining ancient amazonite stone beads from Niger with translucent blue Islamic glass beads from Mali dating from approximately the 10th to 12th century.

The large tabular amazonite beads display natural quartz and schorl inclusions within the stone matrix, creating attractive variation in color and texture. Their pale green and cream tones contrast beautifully with the weathered blue Islamic glass beads.

For centuries, beads such as these circulated along the trans-Saharan trade routes, where stone, glass, metals, and textiles were exchanged between North and West Africa.

Temporarily restrung on nylon thread.

Dimensions
Length of strand: 34 cm

Amazonite Beads
Sizes: 19 × 25 mm, 21 × 25 mm, 23 × 26 mm, 23 × 27 mm, 26 × 30 mm
Weight: 79.6 g

Islamic Glass Beads
Diameter: 12–14 mm