West Africa, Ghana or Mali, possibly originating in Western Europe, Netherlands, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A long strand of 28 large glass beads each of a deep teal green hue. Each bead is formed using a hot, arduous process by West African craftsman to form a spherical shape with a gorgeous, near-translucent surface, often describes as having a "sugary" texture. These beads are strung on a modern cord and the terminal strands are strung with small wood spacer beads and a silver-plated hook clasp for wearing. A beautiful and wearable necklace that will certainly make a statement! Size length of necklace: 30" L (76.2 cm); size of one bead: 1" W (2.5 cm)

The Dutch traded beads of this style with the Dogon people in exchange for furs, raw materials, and other items. In West Africa these beads were manufactured in molds and small kilns made from termite mounds lined with kaolin clay. Termite mound kilns could be fired at temperatures around 850 to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, quite low for making glass - hence that "sugary" look! The beads were made by pouring powdered glass into the mold around a cassava stick, then heating them for roughly an hour. They are rotated to make them round, so that each has a slightly unique shape. Finally, they are washed on a stone grinding slab to remove the kaolin clay and smooth the surface.

Provenance: private Boulder, Colorado, USA collection, acquired in 2018

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#161681

Nicks and chips to beads, especially long rims of openings. Surface abrasions and stable hairline cracks. Strung in modern times with modern clasps. Wearable!