OLD TRADE BEADS
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JUMP TO: TRADE BEADS: VENICE BOHEMIA EUROPE AMERICAS (to) ASIA, OCEANIA OTHER BEADS, ETC: AFRICA GLASS AFRICA METAL AFRICA STONE OTHER MATERIALS NECKLACES PENDANTS CHARMS BOOKS ON BEADS ANTIQUITIES / CRAFTS SITE DIRECTORY |
BEADS & ME I'm Scott Semans, a longtime coin dealer who has fallen in love with old trade beads. Living near Seattle, I see the Los Angeles-based Traders at the end of their route when they cut prices before turnaround for another buying trip. My markups are more coin-market than jewelry or gallery pricing, so I often sell in volume to crafters, manufacturers, and dealers. I am not an expert. Only minimal research has been done, and you may learn more about particular types from Dubin, Liu, Francis, and other works. Most bead types have no widely accepted names, so those given below are collector terms, African names, or my own made-up descriptive terms. Corrections & advice welcome! ABOUT THE LISTINGS BELOW . . . Not Found / Error Message DOES NOT MEAN THE ITEM IS SOLD. It is a coding error. Tell me and I will fix it. Click on the thumbnail to see a sample bead or strand, then click on stock numbers to the right to see more offerings. You will get the bead or strand in the scan, unless noted "SAMPLE" in the description. These are flatbed scans, not photos, so the actual beads will look much better! Strands scanned straight may look smaller on your screen than curled strands; enlarge your browser window for more detail. Generally beads are sold in strands, so I have bolded the singles offerings. Prices in US$. QUANTITIES available when photo says "SAMPLE". BUYING: I also buy trade beads; contact me. HOW TO *SEARCH* MY BEAD STOCK ALL of my beads are listed on this page. You can JUMP TO a category listed at left, then scroll through the offerings. To do a WORD SEARCH, hold down the Control and "F" keys to bring up a search box (Command and "F" for Mac), then type in red, or millefiori, or whatever. To find additional entries, continue with Control+G key. This is only a word search, so put in one word only, or words in exact order. PLACING AN ORDER . . . To order (or inquire), copy and paste the entire line, except the photo, for each item into an email . Since there is often more than one strand or bead for a listing line, delete the text or link for ones you don't want. I will respond shortly with an invoice. No reply? Try THIS. Or click this ORDERING INFO link for more details. I'm always glad to take your phone order: 425-369-1725 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM USA Pacific; mornings best, weekends worst. I take most forms of payment. I charge only the USPS rates, often about $3 for a few beads or a strand, or $7.10 flat-rate for several (USA). International orders welcome. |
| MIXED STRANDS | ||||
| The bead operations in Africa buy in loose beads, necklaces, etc., unstring and clean them, then reassemble strands of all-alikes, or graduated sizes. Especially when there is a great deal of variation in quality or variant, they try to balance value among strands to frustrate cherry-picking. However, some assemblers do create deliberately mixed strands, usually of like-value beads. Mixed strands also are made when there are not enough of a scarcer type to make full strands. Such strands appeal to collectors more than crafters, and I seek them out. When I offer both photo'd and "blind" strands I am not hiding poorer strands, just saving the time / cost of making and handling photos. | ||||
 | 653 | Higher Value Mixtures | Mixed strands with a lot of variety. Mostly middle to high end beads. Strands: 653a) Aja, blue Tires, exotic blacks, etc. 20" $275; 653b) 1980s, small moon beads, Dutch a-speo, early Dogs tooth, etc. $450; 653c) 1980s, 22", tiny skunks, etc, $85; 653f) 40" strand, $255; 653g) Bodom, Akoso, amazing Millies, all high-end, huge 36" strand $325; 653h) Bodom, Akoso, amazing Millies, all high-end, huge 36" strand $325; 653n) Red rattlesnake, Horseshoe millies, crumb, etc., 1980s strand, $300; 653p) Mostly small, some unusual, 26", $75 | $85.00+ |
 | 651 | Mid Value Mixture | Mixed collection of medium-value beads. A good way to build a collection of types which would be costly in full strings. 24+" Strands: 651h 651b 651j 651f 651g | $27.50 |
 | 650 | Miscellaneous Mixtures | These strands have nothing in common with each other, except they don't fit in the other mixed-strand categories! There are 1980s collection strands, partial strands, strands that were put together recently in Africa for no clear purpose. No hints, just click on the number to see each one. Strands: 650e 22", $75; 650k 28", $40 | $35.00 - 75.00 |
 | 652 | Cassamance Collections | Want high-end old beads without buying full strands? Some of the beads here are so uncommon you'll never see a full strand. From the Cassamance region of Senegal where European trade beads first entered Africa by the sea trade, extra long strands with hardly a duplicate. There are a few old African stone or true Bodoms mixed in, otherwise pure Venice. Long 36" Strands: 652a 652g 652j 652d 652e | $290.00 |
 | 658 | Ghana Mix #1 | Mixed strands from Ghana have always been the best value. Each strand is a mini-collection of mid/high-value bead types traded into Ghana. The "A" series strands include some modern, along with higher value types. Each strand is different. Shown at 150% for detail. Strands: 658a 658m 658q 658Aa 658Ab 658Ac 658Ah 658Aj 658Ak 658Ac 658q 658AL 658Am 658An 658Ad 658Ae 658Af Discount: Three or more strands, $52.50 each | $59.50 |
 | 659 | Ghana Mix #2 | Mixed strands from Ghana have always been the best value. Each strand is a mini-collection of mid-value smaller bead types traded into Ghana, with little duplication. Just a few modern African beads. Each strand is different. Shown at 150% for detail. Strands: 659a 659b 659c 659e 659f 659p | $28.50 |
 | 657 | Nigeria Mix | Super-long 38" strands including Venetian, Czech, and modern African types, glass & stone. Some intriguing beads here, but mostly low value. Each strand is different. Shown at 150% for detail. Strands: 657a 657b 657c 657d 657e 657f 657g 657h 657j 657k 657L 657m 657n Bulk strands: 657L1) Different batch, even longer 42+" strands, $25 each, $22.50/3+, $17.50/10+ | $29.50 |
 | 660 | Ghana Pop Mix | Necklaces of modern Ghana types and older trade beads. Every one different. At this price, showing just a couple of samples. Single 24" necklace: | $15.00 |
 | 707 | Mauritania Necklace | Modern composition using old trade beads, some newer beads, shells, spindle-whorls, etc. Simple bead clasp. These weigh over 1 Lb. each! Scan shows both sides. Strands: 707d 707e 707k 707L | $82.50 |
 | 1220 | Venetian or ???? | This strand (167 beads, 55" long) was purchased from a retired dealer in natural science objects who also purchased craft items. His tag says collected in Borneo in 1967. The Africa Traders recognize some of them and say they are Venetian, but often not like the ones from Africa. It sparked a lively discussion on the Bead Collector Forum. Most were agreed that the beads are not typical Venetian, if any Venetian at all, and likely from mixed sources. A critical issue is whether the 1967 date is to be believed, as since ca.2000, Indonesian crafters have been able to create beads of this quality. Other opinions range from Chinese to some European craft house trading beads to Indonesia. It's for sale, not cheap. Please inquire. ENLARGEMENT | |
| HOW OLD IS OLD? The older European trade beads generally date to the late 1700's or early 1800s, while the majority of the bead export to Africa was mid 1800s to 1920s. Finding dates of manufacture or use on beads is difficult. I do stock a very few modern (post-1950), new (today), or 2nd-gen (new from old cane) types, but say so in the description. No deceptive Asian knockoffs! I do look for authentic old types in great condition. Educate yourself on reproductions and please correct me if I am wrong about the age of anything offered at this site - I will be grateful for your input. Ancient bead making website with great photos. |
| ANCIENT & EARLY | ||||
| Dating beads is difficult to impossible. This section includes: a) Indigenous African stone & shell beads dating from the Paleolithic forward, b) Late "Roman," usually from the middle east, including Roman-style glass reworked into beads, c) Faience beads of Egyptian or middle eastern origin, d) Weathered Medieval Indian beads excavated in the Sahara, e) Chinese, Indo-Pacific or other early Asian beads. For EARLY MODERN (1500s-1700s) see AFRICA STONE | ||||
 | 868 | Ancient Fossil beads | Cut segments of a long extinct tubular sea-bottom animal form, soapy gray rock having replaced the animal tissues. Beads are over 1000 years old according to supplier, the outside segmentation worn, but showing very sharply on interiors. Range 12-28mm wide x 8-15mm long, very wide (natural) holes Singles:, mixed sizes: $2.75 each, $2.00/3, $1.50/10+ | 2.75 |
 | 533 | Islamic Eye Bead | From Hebron, Palestine, a late holdover from more complex earlier Islamic glass & perhaps before skills degenerated to the level of the crude plain yellow, green, etc. beads. Beads range 13-24mm wide. Sold at $300 but got a better deal. 22" Strands: 533c 533d 533e | $175.00 |
 | 1284 | Chinese Fossilized Ivory | These remain something of a mystery. I got them from a coin dealer whose inventory I purchased ca. 1988, and he called them "Chinese neolithic jade." They're clearly not jade, and while they have the sound of glass or stone when tapped, they show the sort of crazing and cracks I've seen on old ivory bracelets. The best comment I got from the Bead Collector Network Bulletin Board was having seen their like in a Thai market, being sold by a non-Thai, and others had ID'd as fossilized ivory. A Chinese coin expert who studies published excavation reports to help date early coins suggests Western Zhou period, ca. 800-500 BC. They weren't cheap even in the 1980s when Chinese antiquities were flooding out and fetching 1/10th of what they are today. Pricing cracked the same as whole ones, as I think these best demonstrate their ivory origins. 1284a 1284b 1284c 1284d 1284e | $95.00 |
 | 906 | Fossil Sand Dollar | Chalky white with fluted edges and stipple patterns, fossilized sand dollar drilled as bead. Excavated in Mali. Supplier says about 2000 years old. Singles: $3.50 Each, or $2.50 Each/3+ | $3.50 |
 | 990-2 | Mauritania Conus | From Mauritania, shaped, drilled & decoratively worked Conus shells "Used since antiquity . . ." (Simak p.32), now used at Arab weddings. Some beads plain, but scanner does not show well those with decorative etching. Disk strands: Worked, concave white disks strung in opposed pairs. 990b Graduated 13-26mm widths, 24" $85; Fragment strands: Polished bits of conus in graduated strands. 991a $75; 991b $75; Heavy strands: Thick, solid pieces, including whole shells 992a 32", 25 oz (710gm) $200; 992b 33" 11.9 oz (337gm) $160 | $75.00+ |
 | 826 | "Ancient" Mali Gneiss | Rough chunks of granite-like rock, composed of blacks, whites, and sparkling quartz inclusions. Supplier claims such beads were first made 2000+ years ago. Simak p.81, apparently referring to the illustrated type, says 13th-16th Century. But, these have modern drill holes, so all we can say is the rock is old! Beads mostly in 22-28mm range. Single Beads: $4.50 Each, or $3.50 Each/3+; Full strands of 35 beads: 826a 826b 826c | 30.00 |
 | 480 | Amazonite Roughs | Historically worn as amulets across northern Africa, before and including classical Egypt, these beads & pendants are today found from Morocco to Nigeria. Holed with stone drills, the flat (edgewise) beads were difficult to make. Finished tourquoise greens are the most valued; these are older, unpolished beads. Photos 300%. Price is for all beads in the photo. LOTS: Flats: 480Ba; 480Bb; 480Bc $45/Lot; Colors: 480Ca $75; 480Cb $45, Shapes: 480Da; 480Db; 480Dc $35 each; Bigs & Smalls: (Two views for each lot) 480Ea $40; 480Eb $35; 480Ec $30; 480Ed $25; 480Ef $35 | $20.00 - 60.00 |
 | 482 | Serpentine, bicones | Dark Green to gray stone worked into bicone shape and drilled with primitive stone drills. Less expensive than the rougher, lighter green and varied colored Amazonite beads. LOTS: Matched pairs of gray, suitable for necklaces: 482Ad; 482Ae; 482Ac$19.50 / Pair ; Three Different in size, shape, color: 482Ba; 482Bb; 482Bc; $29.50 / Set; 482L1 Lot of 3: $35 | $11.00+ |
 | 1172 | Large Neolithic | Mali/Sahel; Rough, mainly large beads of varying stone types, with funnel-shape pecked holes. Advise if you are interested in single stones, as I may break up. Strands: 1172a) 40", 1.87 kilo (66 oz). Largest bead 60x38mm, 180gm. 1172a-backs Price: $500; 1172b) 32", .67 kilo (24 oz), largest bead 31x48mm 1172b-backs Price: $300 | $300.00+ |
 | 870 | Ancient Granite | From Burkina Faso, crude gray discs with soil adhesions from burial. Mostly 10-13mm wide. Age unknown, but primitively made; holes irregular but not pecked. Usually excavated beads are expensive, but I guess "ugly" lowers the asking price! Singles: $1.25 each/3+, .75/10+; Strands: 22" 870e $32.50 each | $1.25 / 32.50 |
 | 908 | Large Old Granite | Ancient granite beads excavated near modern city of Maiduguri in Nigeria. Strands: 908a 12 beads $175; 908b 27 beads $350 | $175.00+ |
 | 736 | Dogon Granite, Larger | Widths ±10-25mm Great mixture of granite & gneiss beads excavated at Djenné. Simak p.80-81 says 13-16th century but still made with traditional techniques; supplier says 1600-1700s. Rough to semi-polished. Each necklace has quite different shapes, sizes, patterns. 25" Strands: 736d $135; 736f) $135; 736h) $135; 736j) $135; 736k) $150; Discount: Mix or match all Dogon granite: 15% /3+ 879, 882, 736 & 735. | $135.00+ |
 | 882 | Dogon Granite, Medium | Widths ±4-15mm Great mixture of granite & gneiss beads excavated at Djenné. Simak p.80-81 says 13-16th century but still made with traditional techniques; supplier says 1600-1700s. Rough to semi-polished. Each necklace has quite different shapes, sizes, patterns. 26-28" Strands: 882a 882b 882c 882d 882e 882f 882g $95 each; Smaller Beads: 882j 882k $75 each; Discount: Mix or match all Dogon granite: 15% /3+ 879, 882, 736 & 735. | $75.00+ |
 | 879 | Dogon Granite, Smaller | Widths ±4-10mm or rough Smaller (or rougher) granite & gneiss beads excavated at Djenné. Each necklace has quite different shapes, sizes, patterns. 24" Strands: 879a 879c 879e $50 each; Discount: Mix or match all Dogon granite: 15% /3+ 879, 882, 736 & 735. | $50.00 |
 | 735 | Dogon Granite | Matched/Uniform Strands from a 1980s collection, beads mostly ellipsoids, black-&-white granite, similar sizes, differently from how they are strung today. Priced by strand length & average bead size. Medium Beads: 735Aa $75; 735Ab $55; 735Ac $55 735Ad $65; 735Ae $80; 735Af $80; 735Ag $75; Smaller Beads: 735Ba 735Bb 735B.c $45 each; Discount: Mix or match all Dogon granite: 15% /3+ 879, 882, 736 & 735. | $45.00+ |
 | 263 | Togo Stone | Neolithhic. White quartz disc with pecked funnel holes hole, coated with reddish earth, wide range of sizes. Was their original use beads, or bases for bow & drill fire starting? Quiggin Survey of Primitive Money and others reference them as money. The Akhan & nearby tribes would find them exposed after heavy rains, and called them thunderstones, believing they had come from the sky and had healing properties. The smaller size (10-30mm) are found in Mauritania and are called "biscuit beads." "TOGO" (large) about 35-50m, 33-80gm Singles: 263) $14.50 each; 3 for $37.50; Strand: 263a) $225.00 "MAURITANIA" (small) range about 9-27mm Singles: 263D) $5.00 for a larger specimen, or $4 / 3+ mixed sizes; Strand: 263Da) $90 HUGE ±70-80mm across, over 200gm This size I can see being foot-gripped & drilled, spark falling through the hole to tinder below - truly a valuable and trade-worthy object. Singles: 263La 263Lb 263Lc 263Ld $50 each; 263Lm 90mm, 384gm $100 | $14.50 / 225.00 |
 | 817 | Mali Stone | Ancient(?) Quartz, chipped & drilled, similar to the "Togo stone" but much rougher. Three groups / strands purchased: 817A Uniform 17-19mm with orange soil $3.50 / bead; 817E Quartz often has some red veining, chipped with narrower ridges, range 15-30mm $4 for larger example, or $3.00 each per 3+ mixed sizes; 817Ea Full 28" strand $90 817H Translucent quartz, very roughly chipped, mostly 35-45mm $11.00 for larger example, or $8.50 each per 3+ mixed sizes 817S Set of five showing range of sizes within each group $22.50 | $3.00+ |
 | 720 | "Togo Stone" Beads(?) | Possible imitations of the valued "Togo stones" used as money, beads, and amulets in Paleolithic times. They seem mimic the varied size and thickness, and the dished interiors & yellow color approximates the soil found on the stones. The glass is similar to what I've called proto-beads from Venice, but more translucent. Singles: 720S) Smaller: 17-19mm or thinner $2.50 each/3+; 720L) 19+mm, or thicker $3.50 each/3+ OK to mix | $2.50+ |
 | 1270 | Excavated Faience (?) | My Trader supplier, with many contacts in the Djenné / Timbuctu region, had these three strands on consignment because he buys excavated clay cheaply, and was uncertain why a higher price was asked. It is pale green and porous, mostly undamaged beads, but the few chipped showing a darker green inside. In the 1960-70s genuine Ushabtis were cheap, and these remind me of the more deteriorated pieces I handled. Whoever made up the strands left them with soil rather than risk the usual harsher cleaning, and made up two strands (a and b) of 75 each rather uniform asymmetrical convex cones, with 81 beads of lesser quality or variant shape (strand c) left over. My guess is the shape of these beads would help date and place them - Egypt? Persia? They may be contemporary with the commoner melon beads. If you have knowledge in this area, please contact me & I will pass it on here. Beads mostly 8x10 to 15x17mm, very wide center holes. Singles: 1270B) Large, ±13-14.5mm widths, $6.50 each/3+, 5.00/10+; 1270S) Smaller, ±10.5-13mm widths, $5.50 each/3+, 4.00/10+; OK to mix sizes for quantity price. Mini-collection: 1270L1) Eight pieces including largest & unusual shapes from strand, $65.00; Strands: 1270a) 75 beads, similar shape, $250; 1270c) 81 beads, mixed shapes, $275; 1270e) Mostly blues, mixed shapes, from an earlier purchase, 24", $125 | $6.00 / 250.00 |
 | 1116 | European Deceivers | These white / clear stones look like they came out of the ground at Djenn&eacuate;, but supplier tells me they are European made, traded to Mali. What next?! Widths around 11-14mm. Strands: 1116a 1116b 1116c 1116d 1116e | $42.50 |
 | 788 | "Roman" Beads | Blue cane-cut beads of obvious age, varying sizes and shapes. This is a trade term for pre-Venetian glass, likely from the middle east. 30" Strands: 788a) Dark: barrels $75 ; 788b) Dark: Mixed shapes $75 | $75.00 |
 | 750 | Silk Road Glass | About 2005-06 remnants of what was likely a 1st Century BC glass factory was discovered in Afghanistan (ancient Bactria) along the silk road trade route uniting Rome and China. The glass objects were made using known Roman techniques. Local families excavate the fragments and file it into rough bead shapes, preserving the unique sheen of ancient glass. 16-20" Strands shown at 200%. Tubular beads: 16-18" strands with spacers, ±4.5-6.5mm widths Mixed colors: <750A2 750A6 750A5 Cobalt Blue: 750D1 750D2 750D3 Black: 750F1 750F2 750F3 Ridged: 750J1 750J2 750J4 Green & Clear: 750N1 750N2 750N3 750N7 750N8 750N12 750N14 750N15 $32.50 each, $26.50/3+; Green / Clear with Pendants: 750q1 750q2 750q3 $31.50 each, $26.50/3+ Larger Beads / Pendants: Rougher pieces from an older purchase: 750V1) $42.50; 750V2) $42.50; 750V3) $30; 750V4) $20; 750V6) $45 | $31.50+ |
 | 1252 | Roman / Islamic Eye | Referred to in trade as "Roman" or "Islamic" eye beads, these from west Africa. Dubin's 2009 chart shows (#20, c. 200 BC) an exact match to the simplest variety as "Wound glass with four stratified eyes. England" and similar beads (#485, c. 1100BC) as dynastic Egypt. Translucent blue with white trailed designs, ±11-16mm wide. My string broke down mostly into four categories: 1) SIMPLE eye: 3-4 eyes spaced around diameter, 2) PAIRED eyes: same placement but pairs, usually gapped, sometimes offset, 3) BELTED: a belt separates each member of the pair, and 4) GREENS: as #1 but green glass with yellow trailing. Width noted. Shown at 300% for detail. SIMPLE eye 1252A1 13mm, $35; 1252A2 12.2mm $37.50; 1252A3 23.7mm, $30; 1252A4 14mm, $23.50; | $22.50 - 45.00 |
 | 941 | Ancient Greens | Excavated in Nigeria, short barrels, mostly green, some strands fairly uniform; others varied. Possibly Indian or Islamic in origin. Purchased in several batches, string length indicated in photo. 22-23" Strands:941j 941p 941q | $77.50 |
| HEBRONS After the fall of the Roman Empire, bead-making survived in the Islamic world until the Mongols and the Crusaders disrupted the trade. On branch of the trade migrated to Hebron, near Jerusalem on the Mediterranean in the 12th century, where a simpler type of bead continued production. "They made beads there, using the salts of the Dead Sea as their alkali. Their glass was opaque yellow and green, sometimes blue and black. The beads were furnace-wound and were popular in Egypt and in sub-Saharan Africa." (Peter Francis, Beads of the World p.78). Today the traders get these beads from Sudan, roughened from centuries of use. They are often filed in Kano, Nigeria, center of the bead trade. Not pretty by today's standards, they represent a unique, though degenerated, survival of a long bead-making tradition. | ||||
| 533 | Islamic Eye Bead | From Hebron, Palestine, a late holdover from more complex earlier Islamic glass & perhaps before skills degenerated to the level of the crude plain yellow, green, etc. beads. Beads range 13-24mm wide. Sold at $300 but got a better deal. 22" Strands: 533c 533d 533e | $175.00 |
 | 536Y | Hebron (Kano): Yellow | Singles: Rough, as usual, but not damaged $3.25/1 large, 2.35/3+ mixed, 1.85/10+ mixed; 20-22" Strands, best: Graduated strand (20-22") of 48+ beads, few or none broken, 536Y12; 536Y2; 536Y3; 536Y4; 536Y5; 536Y6; 536Y7; 536Y8; 536Y9; 536Y10; 536Y11 $67.50 each; $60 / 3+; Strands, lower quality: A couple broken beads, or shorter strands as these Samples $57.50 per-1, $50/3+ Dirtier beads may be in better condition, as the cleaning process is hard on these already fragile beads. | $67.50 / 57.50 |
 | 536N | Hebron Buttons | Yellow Hebron beads filed down to roughly 9-10mm widths and often with the ends flattened - same as the smallest beads on graduated strands. Probably done in Nigeria; the filed glass would have gone to make other beads. 20" Strands: 536Nf 536Ng 536Nc 536Nd 536Ne | $45.00 |
 | 536B | Hebron: Baby (Kano) | Crude, variably-shaped chips from yellow Hebrons, re-drilled with small holes, probably in Nigeria. They show much subsequent wear. An interesting example of how the Hebron is a "source" bead. Mostly 6-8mm wide, but some strands are all small or larger pieces. 24+" Strands: 536Bb 536Bc 536Bf 536Be | $29.50 |
 | 200 | Excavated Terracotta | From the medieval site of Djenné in Niger on the Tumbuctu trade route, excavated terracotta beads 500-800 years old. In various earth colors, tubes of varying lengths which appear to be individual "seed" sized beads. Cheap because there is little jewelry demand. Generally cleaned, but small soil traces remain. Bundle of 100 strands $250; $50/ 10 strands. Single strand: | $7.50 |
 | 204 | Excavated Terracotta | Black & Brick-red ellipsoids Excavated at Djenné, beads most 5mm wide x 7-12mm long, 25+" strands pretty much alike. | $16.50 |
 | 203 | Excavated Terracotta | Off-white, Large From Djenné region, roughly round or biconal beads, sometimes mixed with short tubes which appear to be 2-4 conjoined single beads. These are whiter, larger, and more separated (vs tubes) than the commoner "200" beads offered above. Varied Strands: 203g 203h 26", $15.00 each | $15.00 |
 | 202 | Excavated Terracotta | Orange: Large Excavated beads from the Djenné region in a variety of shapes, larger than the tubular types more commonly found. 34" Strands: 202a 202h 202c 202d 202f | $27.50 |
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EXCAVATED MEDIEVAL BEADS
Called "dig beads" by the African Traders, they are found in the general region of early trade centers such as Djenné-jeno & Timbuktu in Mali, as well as areas of Niger and Mauritania. Eighty percent of the small seed types, according to Augusto Panini, Middle Eastern and Venetian Glass Beads, p.27, are nila or Indo-Pacific, from India, reaching Africa ca. 700-1200AD, with blues, greens, white & yellow (in that order) predominating. However, stone, shell, and faience often found in strands are likely older and indigenous. Found in huge, though diminishing, quantities, they are now sorted more carefully - by color, size, and quality - than in the past. Along with ancient coins, they are the most affordable, and relatable, antiquities available to collectors and crafters today. Mass-produced common trade items, such as coins and beads, should not be conflated with objects of either artistic or contextual importance merely because they are found, either above or beneath the ground, rather than owned generationally. In a world without modern banking facilities, wealth was buried for protection, and is today recovered, often in vast troves, during construction or through diligent search in scattered locations as a sole remaining resource where now-infertile land provides no other living. Efforts by political and radical academic elites to discourage private ownership of ordinary trade objects merely because they are old, or excavated, or of unclear origin, are misguided, and undermine the widespread interest in the past that underpins and values our study and appreciation of history and art. | ||||
 | 940 | Small, Mixed Colors | Glass & Stone, some weathering but mostly bright colors, strung in the 1990s. Mostly under 5mm widths. These days strands tend to be more sorted and uniform. Last of a large lot: 940A) Smallest, 22" strands; 940B) Small, 26" strands; 940C) Larger, mostly blue, 26+" strands. Sample strands shown. OK to mix with other 940 colors for best discount: $19.00 each; $17/3+; $14.50/10+ | $14.50 - 19.00 |
 | 940W | Medieval: Small White | Medieval beads found in Mali & region, most or all stone. Mixed whites, clears, some chalky or colored, but fairly consistent from strand to strand. Widths ±3.5-5mm. Sample strands shown. OK to mix with other 940 colors for best discount: $19.00 each; $17/3+; $14.50/10+ | $19.00 |
 | 940U | Small Blue | Medieval beads found in Mali & region. Blue glass, mostly 3-4mm wide but variable shapes and sizes. Mostly well worn, some chalky. Sample 22-24" strands shown. $19.50 each; $14.50 /3+ | $13.50 - 18.50 |
 | 940EF | Small Weathered Gray | Medieval beads found in Mali & region. Probably blue & green originally, but weatherized to gray. 940E Light to medium grays, mostly 3-5mm $17.00 each; $13.50/3+; $11.50/10+. 940F Mostly gray, but slightly larger, more varied shapes, and some colored mixed in. $18.00 each; $14.50/3+; $12.50/10+ Sample 23-24" strands shown. | $11.50 - 18.00 |
 | 883 | Medium-size White | From Djenné region, graduated strands, beads from <3mm to 8mm widths, variable shapes, some rough or chalky. Least costly color for "dig" beads. Prices rising fast, so strands get shorter, then longer again when a new price point is set. We have 20"-26" strands, some heavy in larger beads. Best buy, by the inch: If you prefer large (fewer) or small (more) beads, we will select strands and round up to nearest full strand: $1.20/" for 20-60"; 0.90/" for 60+" (about 3 strands) Specific 20-26" strands: 883a 26" $36; 883c 24" $34; 883d 22" $31.50; 883e 22" $31.50; 883f 22" $31.50; 883g 20" $29; 883h 20" $29; 883j 20" $29 | $18.00+ |
 | 818 | Medieval: Medium Blue | Glass: Graduated strands of rough, 3-12mm width, mostly greens, blues , mixed shapes. Probably India / Islam origin. 22" Strands: 818c 818e 818f 818g 818h $65.000 each; OR 818Z Save me the trouble of photographing each one. I over-bought, so strands just like these $57.50 each, 3 or more $45 each; 818L2 Bulk lot 3 longer 26" strands, including doubled beads, $150 | $45.00 - 65.00 |
| 819 | Medieval: Large Blue | Glass: Uniform 24-26" strands of rough, 9-12mm width, translucent blue disks with white patina, ±7-13mm widths. The large end of more usually seen graduated strands. Strands: 819a | $125.00 |
 | 737 | Medieval: Varied Strands | Wide variety of excavated beads from Mali, Senegal, each one quite different. Strands: 737a) Mixed colors rough glass, 3.5-9mm, 22" strand $40 ; 737d) White & off-white heishi & rounds, 22" strand $35 ; 737e) White barrels & spacers 4-7mm widths, 22" strand $35; 737g) Large blues & others, mostly 9-11mm widths, 26" strand $225; 737j) Graduated blues, ±4-6mm widths, 25", $40; 737m) Graduated yellows ±3-6mm, 25", some modern strays, $40; 737n) Graduated black, ±4.5-9mm widths, 26", $50 | $35.00+ |
 | 995 | Medieval: Medium to Large | Mostly stone, perhaps some glass, wide variation among strands. No common blue, some carnelian. From Djenné area. Strands: 995a) 26" 1980s stock $95 | $85.00+ |
 | 1286 | Big Hole Medieval Beads | Larger beads with large center holes, mostly blues & greens, plus faience, excavated in Mali. Different assortment than I hve seen before. Could some or most of these be pre-Islamic? Widths mostly 5-14mm, 28-30" Strands: 1286a 1286b $225 each | $225.00 |
 | 511C | "Dig" Donuts | Ugly but exciting! Excavated from the Mali trade area around Djenn&eacuate;, my first thought was that these must be some of the earliest European trade beads in Africa, the original Amsterdam donut beads. But, look at the bottom row in this preliminary report about the First evidence of sub-Saharan Africa glassmaking. Cobalt blue to black, but brilliant blue when held up to light, a few greens mixed in, and much thicker (±5-8mm lengths) than the usual European donuts. Very rough! Singles: 511C) $2.50 each/3+, 2.00/10+, 1.35/50+; Strands: 511Ca 511Cb 511Cc 511Cd 28", $120 each | $2.50 / 120.00 |
 | 845 | Ancient Carnelian Tubes | Excavated large beads in translucent to red-brown stone, pecked center holes, ±20-30mm long x 17mm wide. From Mali. Lots: 845L2 3 beads, $45 | $30.00+ |
 | 693 | Ancient Carnelian | Excavated stone beads: barrel, bicone & ellipsoid, from deep reds to pale pinks, mostly larger sizes. Much variation. From Djenné region. Polished strands:: 693a 30"; 693b 28"; 693c 24" $95.00 each; 693p Loose, partial strand $50; Rough strands: 693q 26-28" $175 | $95.00 / 175.00 |
| 692 | Ancient Carnelian, Large | Excavated stone beads, from deep reds to pale pinks, some strands other shades. Super-long strands. From Djenné region, probably 7th c. AD or earlier. Barrels: 692a) 38" $850; Rounds: 692e) 40" $325; 692f) 44" $360; Disks: 692h) 40" $325; Teardrops, diamonds, etc.: 692m) 30" Premium quality beads, from Mauritania $375 | $325.00+ |
 | 691 | Ancient Agate, etc. | Excavated stone beads, mixed colors. From Djenné region, probably 7th c. AD or earlier. Strands: 691f) 36" $325; 691g) 23" $150 | $150.00+ |
 | 1168 | Misc. Ancients | From an Indiana storage locker find, loose bead lots. Strands: 1168a Stone & blue coral $30 Lot | |
 | 451 | Tradewind | The major trade bead of the Srivijaya and Majopahit Empires, it still serves as a store of wealth in Timor, Flores & Sumba, called Mutisalah ("False pearls"), or "Tradewind beads" by collectors. Strands: 451Ra) Brick red, 3-5.5mm widths, 24" strand $50; 451Ba) Black, 3-11mm widths, 22" strand $95 | $25.00+ |
| BEAD INFORMATION RESOURCES Great informative website about bead making & African beads. Bead chat site. Society of Bead Researchers website with links, printed journal, etc. |
| VENICE / MURANO | ||||
| The oldest European, and most prolific, of the trade bead manufacturing sites. Listed first are possibly the oldest and most primitive types, with the fancier, later types such as Millefiori toward the end. | ||||
 | 980 | Face Bead | An early type based on Roman models, often called Baule Face Bead. Typically ±16-18mm wide, but thickness can vary quite a bit. Three views shown of each bead at 400%. Singles: 980a Thick 14.7x15.8mm, four faces, $75; 980b $35; 980c $40; 980d $40 | $35.00+ |
| EARLY YELLOWS Yellow beads show well against dark skin, and early European traders followed the practice of middle eastern beadmakers (e.g. Hebrons) in stocking this color. They are unpopular with bead crafters today, who create jewelry for light-skinned wearers. These plain wound Venetians likely evolved into more complex beads, such as the classic yellow King, and the core of the Cournelene d'Alepo (white heart). Though unimpressive to today's collectors, they are still highly valued in Nigeria and Ghana . | ||||
 | 245F | Early Yellow: Flat | Wound, but fairly uniform pale yellow "tires", not chalky glass as other shapes. Ends are ground, but still show spiral pattern. 18-19mm Wide X 6-7mm Long Singles: $5.00 each, $4/3+, $3.5/12+ | $5.00 |
 | 245R | Early Yellow: Round | Chalky yellowed-white wound bead. Appears to be the same glass and size as the core of earliest whitehearts, and similar to base glass in classic yellow King beads. Jamey Allen identifies them as the source of glass for Bodom beads. Supplier says they are quite rare. ±18x20mm, $15.00 each; Lot: 245L1) Smaller, lot of 3, $20 | $15.00 |
 | 245D | Early Yellow: Disk | Short, disk-like bicone, wound, porous eggyolk-yellow glass, possibly the base layer material for yellow Kings and whitehearts, or are they related to Hebrons? Jamey Allen identifies them as the source of glass for Bodom beads. 12-15"mm wide. Many show filing, chips, wear. Traded to Ghana & Togo. Singles $1.25 each/3+, .75/12+; Strands: SOLD | $1.25 |
 | 557 | Old Red Cores | From a 1980s collection, brick red barrels, some with bits or "ghost images" of trailed stripes, others with interior faint black lines or (shown) blue star layers. See Picard Chevron and Nueva Cadiz Beads #144, 193-194. An attempt to simulate "Manhattan" beads? My most knowledgeable Trader contact says they are very early Venetian and he would ask $200 for such a strand. | $200.00 |
 | 678 | Green Heart / Galet Rouge / Hudson Bay | Brick red over dark green cores in tubular or disk shapes First made c. 1700, ±7.5-10mm width versions were traded in huge quantities to Nigeria and the Cassamance region, while seed and "pony" sizes were preferred in North America. Pits and chips are common on older beads from the Africa trade. They are usually strung in 28-30" strands with a few narrower beads at the ends and little difference in overall quality among strands. I suggest the Bulk strands as your best buy, but have photo'd some single strands. Pick your Strands 30" 678k 678n 678d 678e 678p 678g 678h $24.50 each; Bulk Strands: 28-30" 678) Single strand $19.50; $17.50/3+; $14/10+ Bulk Salvage Strands: 678V) From the Cassamance coast of Senegal where they are collected on the beach from old shipwrecks. Rougher, less vibrant color, but that and the romance of salvage are why they are no cheaper than the circulated beads. Single 30" strand $19.50; $17.50/3+; $14/10+; OK to mix for best quantity rate. See HERE for later, smaller types of Green Hearts. | $19.50 / 24.50 |
 | 649 | Porcelain / Cassamance / Goombah / Shipwreck | Among the first European beads traded to Africa, tentatively attributed to Venice. Milk white, tubular widths ±6-9mm, called Porcelain beads, White Greenhearts, Pony beads in the Americas, Goombah in Senegal. Salvage (shipwreck?) beads washed up near the Albreda trading post at Juffureh or near the rivers Gambia or Cassamance (often with green hearts) are called Cassamance beads. The salvage beads have a great, aged look, and are a bit more expensive than the clean ones from trade. Samples shown: 649a) Porcelain / Goombah beads, 24" strands $9.00, $8/3+, $6.50/10+, $5/50+ 649s) Casamance beads (Porcelain / Goombahs from shipwreck) 28-32" strands $14.00, $12.50/3+, $11.00/10+. OK to mix for best discount. | $11.00 / 14.00 |
| CHEVRONS Also called Rosetta or Star beads, they are one of the earliest and most valued of the trade beads and heralded the renaissance of European bead-making in Murano (Venice). The 7-layers (w/b/w/c inside red layer) are oldest, dated to ca. 1480 - 1580. Some 5-layer (b/w inside) are roughly contemporary, and are scarcer as a class than other types. By the early 1600s beads using green or black for the outer layer appeared, and both the 4-layer (w inside) and 6-layer (w/b/w inside) were first produced. Sixes lack the clear (c) inner layer of 7's. Because the fours and sixes continue to be made, the easiest way to tell age is the condition of the bead, and the tendency in newer beads for the ends to be flat or smoothly bevelled rather than hand-filed. The Africa traders value hand-filed sixes nearly as much as sevens. Size (length and diameter) along with condition and symmetry dictate the market value, and like most high-end trade beads, values advance with time. Modern Chinese Chevrons with artificial wear are turning up in Africa and convincing copies are being made from old cane. | ||||
 | 310 | Chevron: 7 Layer | Largest: Widths 26+mm. Showing four views of each bead at 300%. Described Length x Width in mm. Singles: 310b 37.5x31 $200; 310d 33x28 $215; 310f 31.5x28 $215; 310h 31x26 $175; 310j 30.8x27.5 $200;310L 31.7x27 $175 | $125.00 - 295.00 |
 | 311 | Chevron: 7 Layer | Medium: Widths 24+mm. Showing four views of each bead at 300%. Described Length x Width in mm. Singles: 311b 31.5x25.5 $125; 311c 27.5x25 $125; 311d 26.5x25.7 $85; | $85.00 - 150.00 |
 | 312 | Chevron: 7 Layer | Narrow: Widths 16+mm. Showing four views of each bead at 300%. Described Length x Width in mm. Singles 312b 21.7x21 $85; 312c 32.5x21 $125; 312d 25.6x20.8 $100; 312e 20x20.5 $100 312j 23x18.5 $100; 312k 19.5x19 $100; 312L 20x17 $80 | $60.00 - 225.00 |
| 313 | Chevron: 7 Layer | Short: Under 15mm L or W. Showing three views of each bead at 300%. Described Length x Width in mm. Singles: 313a 18.6x13 $65; 313b 17x11 $45; 313c 12x20 $40; 313d 13x19 $25; 313e 14x13.8 $40; 313e 13.7x14 $50 | $25.00 - 65.00 |
| 322 | Chevron 7L Strands | Long strands of later trade chevrons. Scans at 150% show sample bead sizes. Strands: 322b) 34" strand of mixed 6L & 7L, medium to small sizes; other side, $1250 | $700.00+ |
 | 309J | Chevron: 7 Layer Longs | Long: with flat ends, called "female chevrons" and traded to Ivory Coast. Excellent condition, unusually long examples from a 1980s collection & seldom seen from Africa now. Single Beads: 309Ja $95; 309Jb $125; 309Jc $125; 309Jp $55 | $45.00 - 100.00 |
 | 315 | Chevron: 5 Layer | Though scarcer than 6's or 7's they are less popular, probably because they look like middle-period 6's unless you count layers; pricing is guesswork as I can find none offered. The outer "blue" layer is usually very dark, even black. Showing three views of each bead at 300%. Described Length x Width in mm. Singles: 315a 31x18 $85; 315c 26x17 $75; 315d 25x18.8 $ $45; 315e 28x17 $50; 315f 30x15.7 $50; 315g 29x15.7 $40;315q 25x15 $40 | $40.00 - 85 |
 | 321 | Chevron: 6 Layer: Larger | High quality From a strand of selected beads; definite wear, but none with significant chips or asymmetry. Showing just two views at 300%, as both sides / ends are similar. Any small defects are noted in photos. Described Length x Width in mm. Singles: 321a 47x33 $200; 321b 47x31.5 $165; 321c 46.5x33mm $135 321d 33x24 $50; 321e 29x23 $45; 321f 35.6x24 $40; 321g 29x23 $40; 321h 30x22.8 $40; 321j 29x23 $40; 321k 31x23.5 $40; 321L 30.6x24 $40; 321m 30x23.5 $40; 321aa 27.5x19.7 $37.50; 321ab 30x21.5 $33.50; 321ac 29.5x20.7 $33.50; 321ad 20.8x19.7 $27.50 | |
 | 320 | Chevron: 6 Layer | Singles & Lots: Described Length x Width in mm. Shown at 300%. 320a 37x24 $15; 320c Lot $19; 320d 34x18.5 $50; 320e 34x17 $40 | $15.00+ |
 | 323 | Chevron 6L Strands | Long strands of the oldest chevrons. Scans at 150% show sample bead sizes. Strands: 323a) Long 40" strand of large through medium sizes; other side, $1250; 323b) 38" strand of large through medium sizes; other side, $1150; 323d) 40" strand full size range, nice condition; other side, $700 | $700.00+ |
 | 320N | Chevron 6L 2G | Second generation chevrons, ±11-12x10-12mm Recently cut from canes acquired from one of the liquidated Murano firms in the 1980s or earlier. | $15.00 |
 | 331 | Chevron, 4-layer | Singles & Lots: 19th & Early 20th c. Still at a reasonable price compared to the 5, 6, and 7 layer beads. LARGE: 331Pa 29x20 $35; 331Pb 29x22 $25; 331Pc 30x20 $20; 331Pd 28x20 $30; 331Pe 28x20.7 $35; 331Pf 24.5x20 $25; 331Pg ±28x20 $28 pair; 331Ph 26.7x19 $20; 331Pj 29x20 $30 MEDIUM/LARGE: 19-23mm Long x 13-16mm Wide. Older Chevrons gained "character" when edge-filed by users either to highlight the layers or disguise chips. Samples 331Aa) "Flat" largely unfiled $13.50; 331Ab) Symmetrical filing both ends $16.00; 331Ac) Uneven filing, likely to hide chips $9.00; 331Ad) Unfiled chips $6.00. 20% off for 3+ Discount for 331A only: 25% off for 10+beads. MEDIUM: 331Ba Lot $12; 331.Bb Lot $15; SMALL: 331.Ja Lot $100; Set: 330s) Widths 5-7m. Lot of 5 pieces, different lengths & cuts. Sample lot shown, your set will be similar, $5.00/Set | $6.00 - 16.50 |
 | 330 | Chevron, 4-layer | Classic 4-layer "Rosetta" bead. As with the 6-layer, dated to late 19th & early 20th C. Strands: 330b) Small, ±3-5mm widths, 22" strand from 1980s collection $45 | $45.00+ |
 | 308 | False Chevron | Because they were so difficult to make, shortcuts were often tried. Also called simulated or imitation Chevrons. Singles: 308a) old Venice type, today valued at more than a real Chevron of similar size, because they are fairly rare. 28x22.6mm, large chip $275; | 275.00 |
 | 340 | Chevron: Black | Singles: Four layer black. Dubin (Chart #92) quotes Michael Heide who examined millions of African beads and found 6-10 examples of this type. 8m wide x 14-17m long, ends not bevelled. Samples at 300%. Each: | $12.50 |
 | 556Z | Ladies Chevrons (Manhattan) | Venetian "Manhattan" chevrons with a thin white layer and broad red core, cut to irregular disks and worn by Ghanian women. Peter Francis in Ghana: Where Beads are Loved discusses the alteration of European beads by Ghanian traders to meet the preferences of local wearers. Picard Chevrons #141/239. Singles: widths 14-16mm with disc lengths 5-10mm, $17.50 per 3 beads. | $17.50 |
 | 694 | Yellowjacket Chevron | Narrow five-layer tubulars with alternating yellow & black stripes. Possibly French (Francis Beads of the World p.65) or Venitian. Shown 300%. Take 20% discount for any 3+ single beads. Singles: Thick, ±10mm widths: 694B1 $40; 694B2 $35; 694B3 $35; Usual 7-8+mm widths, nice: 694E1 694E2 694E3 694E4 $33.50 each; Usual 7-8+mm widths, worn: 694G1 694G2 694G3 694G4 $25 each; Four-sizes Sets: 694S1 694S2 $95/set | $25.00+ |
 | 516 | Melon & Rainbow Chevrons | Ellipsoid or flat-ellipsoid four-layer Chevrons, usually green, with multicolor lengthwise stripes, sometimes scooped or bevelled ends. Called Molonganame in Africa, green & whites called Watermelon. Many varieties. Strands: 516RL 28" broken, 14x6.5mm, $25 | $17.50+ |
 | 515 | Melon & Rainbow Beads | Based on "watermelon chevrons", striped ellipsoids but not layered. Photo shows Samples; there are others in stock. I can match your color preference, maybe exact pattern, for per-1, per-3, but per-10 is my pick. 20-22" Strands: $15.00; $12.00/3+; $9/10+ | $15.00 |
| WHITE HEARTS (WHITEHEARTS) A layered wound bead with translucent red over a white or yellowish core first made ca. 1825, though later white hearts from Venice and Asia are drawn. The name Cornalene d'Aleppo is a corruption of "carnelian of Aleppo," in contrast to the dowdier brick-red Green-hearts which preceded them as highly popular trade beads. Traded widely around the world, the early barrel types are called Hudson Bay beads for their use in North America. Rounds in sizes from seed to over 23mm and barrels from under 6mm to over 25mm widths are commonest, though other shapes exist, as well as surface decorations of spots, florals, etc. White Hearts of smaller sizes and colors other than red can be of Czech, French, or Chinese making. | ||||
 | 250S | White Heart Set | Historical Set including now-expensive early Cournelene d'Aleppo forms (Hudsons Bay Trade Bead) from ca. 1830s. Includes several examples each of later cane-cut, rounded, and seed versions in traditional red and other colors, and modern regular, and seed versions. Types and quantities of beads as shown in scan. (NOTE: For set with scarce yellowish "core" bead order 250T at $44.50) (NOTE for completists: Other white hearts are "Proto-bead", White heart flower beads, and Skunk beads). | $29.50 |
 | 250 | White Heart, Round | Singles: Cournalene d'Aleppo, Hudsons Bay trade beads. Among the oldest of White Heart types. Offered by size (width in mm) and overall quality (grade). Intermediate sizes are scarcer. Please give second choice of size or grade as some are low in stock. 250C) Size 3, 12.5-14.5mm: Grade B SOLD; Grade C $6.50; Grade D $4 250D) Size 4, 14.5-16.5mm: Grade B $12; Grade C $8; Grade D $5; 250E) Size 5, 16.5-18mm: Grade B $17 250F) Size 6, 18-20mm: Grade B $18; Grade C $12; Grade D $9; 250G) Size 7, 20-22.5mm: Grade C $20 250H) Size 8, 22.5-23mm (Largest): Grade C $28 | $4.00 - 28.00 |
| 250 | White Heart, Round | Large: 250g) Average quality, 56 beads, graduated widths 13-24mm | 250.00 |
 | 249 | White Heart, Round | Small Ancestors of the size still made today. Strands: 249g) Many beads, mostly 7.5-11mm widths, 28" strand $55 | $55.00+ |
| 250Z | White Heart, Round, Flattened | Oldest Cournalene d'Aleppo, Hudsons Bay trade beads. These have been filed flat at ends to fit more snugly on a necklace. From a collection, so not sure if Africa or North America origin. Lots: 250Za) Four sizes $40; 250Zc) Three sizes $26.50; 250Ze) Four, rough $23 | $23.00 - 40.00 |
 | 252 | White Heart, Barrel, Large | High quality Singles: VE) mixed sizes, a few chips, etc. $7.00 each; AU) 17x8mm, near perfect $12.50 each. Strands: Slightly graduated, beads 12-16mm wide, 20-26mm long. More beads per strand means smaller average size. Strands: 252ca) 34 beads $250; 252cb) 41 beads $250 | $250.00+ |
| 252 | White Heart, Barrel, Large | Fair quality Strands: Fairly uniform 32" strands of 11-16mm widths. Mostly F-VF grade. Strands: 252a) 40 beads $175; 252c) 35 beads $165; 252d) 36 beads, 30" strand $135; 252f) 36 beads, 26" strand, mostly 11-13mm widths $95 | $95.00+ |
| 252 | White Heart, Barrel, Large | Low quality Strands: Beads that show their age and hard use! Strands: 252La 47 beads, graduated 8-14mm widths, long 38" strand $85; 252Lb 44 beads, mostly 11-15mm widths, 32" strand $60; 252Lc 46 beads, ranging 9-14mm widths, 34" strand $70 252L.d 58 beads, barrels 8-13mm widths (some nice), plus rounds, 35" strand $75 | $60.00+ |
 | 248 | White Heart, Barrel, Medium | Mixed widths 6.5-11mm, varied lengths. Strands: 248k) 32", $110; 248L) 32", $110; 248m) 32", $110; 248p) 32", $120; 248u) 22" $80; 248s) 19" $75 | $70 .00+ |
| 248 | White Heart, Mixed | Mixed round & barrel types, or other types mixed in strands. Each one very different. 24" Strands: 248j) Long 32" strand with quite a collection of different Whiteheart shapes & sizes $110; 248t) Ellipsoids mixed in, 20" $80 | $80.00+ |
 | 246 | White-Heart, Ellipsoid | Rare variety, a.k.a. Samburu. Found in a range of sizes. Lots of 2+ beads, top condition, from a 1980s strand. Shown at 250%. Largest: 18-19x11+mm 246Ca $45; 246Cb $45 246Cc $45 246Cd $20; Large: 16.5+x9.5+mm246Ea $25; 246Eb $20; 246Ec $20 246Ed $15; Medium: ±12x8mm 246Ga $40; Small: ±8x7-8mm 246Ja $25; 246Jb $25; 246Jc $25 | $25.00+ / 185.00 |
 | 259 | White Heart, Modern | Wound, about 9mm widths, lots of variability & character, unusual size, slight wear. Chinese?? Sample 22" strands shown. | $17.50 |
 | 258 | White Heart, Modern Colors | Bright colors over white core, 5.7 - 7.6mm widths, more than 100 on 10" strands. Nice variability in sizing & pleasingly crude wound look. Czech? Chinese? From Africa trade. 258R) Red; 258J) Orange; 258Y) Yellow; 258B) Blue; 258Bs) Blue (same but 4mm wide); 258T) Turquoise Mix or match, tho I may have to limit some colors: $9.00 each; $7.50 / 5+; $6.00 / 12+. | $6.00 - 9.00 |
 | 947 | White Heart Seeds | Translucent colored shells over white cores create a glow that solid color beads lack. From the Africa trade (mainly Ghana), possibly Venice or China origin? Sample 22+" strands shown. Colors available, mix or match for discounts. 947R Red ±4.6mm width; 947Y Yellow ±4.6mm width; 947X Yellow ±3.5mm width (21" strand); 947C Blue tiny 2x2.6mm (20" strand) Per-1 strand: $5.00; 4.25/5+; 3.75/20+; 3.25/50+ OK to mix with 946 Large seed beads for maximum quantity discount. Others sell these at $8/strand. | $3.25 - 5.00 |
 | 257 | White Heart: Tiny Seed | Newly made, tiny Seed-bead sized, under 2m wide. 257Q) Darker red beads. Over 400 beads per 24" strand. Each $4.50, 3.50/3+, $2.50/10+; 257N) Bright red, Thread-strung hank of 200 grams, about 9000 beads! $42.50 | $2.50 / 42.50 |
 | 260 | White Heart Tubes | Familiar translucent red over white core, but in thin 2.5mm tubes in variable lengths up to 20mm. Traded into Nigeria. Short 20" strands. Sample shown. | $17.50 |
| | ||||
 | 261 | White Heart, Patterned | Flat-end ellipsoid whiteheart with white trailed bands & mote eyes, about 18x10mm. A rarely seen type. Lots: 261L1) $75 | $75 |
 | 262 | Flower White hearts | Roundish with floral pattern on translucent red over white core; white hearts with a pattern. Mostly 9-10m wide. Almost always found with rough, chipped surfaces; full detail in floral elements is uncommon. Singles: 262A) White & blue florals: Decent condition, Samples shown $5.00 each, $4.00/3+; 262C) Multicolor florals: Decent condition, Samples shown $15.00 each; 262D) Poorer $6 each Lots: 262L1 12 lower quality $30.00; Strands: Mixed quality but generally quite decent: 262a 262b 262c 262e $200 each | $5.00 / 200.00 |
 | 551 | Feather, Red | Caramel to red wound ellipsoid with dragged feather motif. Type used by Pacific NW. Amerinds. Most beads 18-25m long. Some partial, chipped, etc. The market price of this type has risen rapidly since 2007. Singles & Lots: Shown 400%: 551La 551Lb 551Lc $21/Lot of 3; 551Ma 551Mb 551Mc $35/Lot of 5; 551Ra $35 for 9; 551Rb $35 for 17
24" strands Mixed quality, some broken, chipped, etc: 551b); 551d) 551a); $125 each 26" strands Mostly nicer quality: 551Ad); 551Ae) 551Ac) $140 each Long 36" strands 551s) ; 551t) $225 each | |
 | 552 | Feather, Black | Black wound ellipsoid with dragged feather motif. Scarcer than red type. Most beads 10m long, smaller than usual reds. Top condition. Samples shown at 400%. Singles: $10 each, $8/3+, $7/6+ | $10.00 |
 | 553 | Feather, Opaque | Opaque bright red wound ellipsoid with dragged white feather motif. Much scarcer than translucent reds. Beads ±17x8mm. Shown at 400%. Singles $27.50 each: 553b $40SOLD; 553h 553j 553k $27.50 each Different: $35 553z | $27.50+ |
 | 673 | Skunk: Red | a.k.a. Crows eye, Eye bead, variety of Whiteheart. White "eye" spots on round red beads over white core. A high-value bead, popular in Ethiopia. Beads 10-12.5mm. Singles: 673A) Scattered Eye variety: $4.00 ea, 3.00/3+; 673D) Thousand Eye $4.00 each; 673G) Eyes in rows $4.00 each | $4.00 - 300.00 |
 | 673R | Skunk Red Barrels | Red whitehearts in barrel form, with white spots or more exotic patterns. Much scarcer than the round red skunks. Strands: 673Ra) Mostly 13-14x10-11mm, some with a "bracket" pattern, 34" | $250.00 |
 | 672 | Skunk: Black | a.k.a. Crows eye, Eye bead. White or colored "eye" spots on round or squarish black beads, vary in size, shape, eye pattern. A high-value bead, traded into Ethiopia. 672E) Multicolor eyes, 6-8mm: $5.00 ea, $4.25/3+, $3.50/10+ | $3.50+ |
 | 672D | Black Skunk Disks | Short black barrel with bluish-white/red spots. Skunks heavily peppered with eyes are called Thousand Eye Skunk. Scarcer than usual round type, but less popular. Thousand-eye Singles: 672D ±8x10mm $4.00/3+, $3.25/10+ | |
 | 674 | Skunk: White | a.k.a. Crows-eye, Eye bead. Round, off-white beads with simple white or colored "eye" spots, SMALL 8.5mm. Traded into Ethiopia. Singles: $2.50 each, $2.00/3+, $1.50/10+ | $2.50 |
 | 672B | Baby Skunk | Roundish black with white spots, ±6mm. Much scarcer than full sized skunks. 29" Strands: 672Bb | $80.00 |
 | 3375 | Fancy Skunks | BLACK Base Raised dots over trailed white on wound black base. Singles: 3375A) Mixed blue-over-white & yellow eyes. Widths ±13-14mm: Good condition: $18.50 ea, $16 ea. / 3+; 3375c) Same, a few raised dots missing $12.50 ea., $10/3+; 3375h) Variant, slightly smaller 12-13mm with no white eye under the raised dots: $16.50 ea. 3375n) Yellow raised dots on white, 11-12mm, Top condition: $15.00 ea, $12/3+; 3375p) Slight wear $12.00 ea, $9.50/3+; 3375r) wear or damage, Lot of 6 shown $$20. OK to mix all 3375-3376 for quantity price. | $10.00 - 18.50 |
 | 3376 | Fancy Skunks | YELLOW Base Raised dots over yellow base. Singles: 3376A) Blue dots, widths ±13-14mm, Top condition, $10.00 ea, 7.50/3+; 3376E) Brown dots (scarcer), widths ±12-13mm, Decent condition, $9.00 ea, 7.50/3+ OK to mix all 3375-3376 for quantity price. | $9.00+ |
 | 3377 | Fancy Skunks | WHITE Base Raised dots over white base. Singles: 3377A) Red dots, widths ±14-14mm, Decent condition, $12.50 ea | $12.50 |
| KING BEADS Wound bicone beads from Venice, c. 1860s-1930s traded extensively into Ghana where they were considered the "king" of beads. Quiggin Survey of Primitive Money plate 8 ("Aggry") shows a likely local imitation. They were widely used in the gold trade. The gold, or actually egg-yolk yellow version, was the favorite, it's classic pattern being a cross-hatch containing 6's or "eyes." Other patterns are common, and they exist in green, black, other base colors, and sizes below the usual 18-19mm width. | ||||
 | 213 | King Bead: Singles | Variety Set: 213S1 Set of 4 different: Yellow, Green, Black & one "different" size or pattern. Each set different. Sample sets shown $15.00/set. Singles: 213Z1 Multicolor striped on black, ±16x19mm $6.50 each | $15.00 |
 | 213 | King, Classic yellow | Better Quality Wound bicone beads from Venice, c. 1850s-1930s and highly valued in Ghana. 26+" Strands: 213k) 42, Vg-VF $150; 213d) 48, F-EF $165 Lower Quality A few high grade beads included, but mostly long on character, short on quality. 26" Strands: 213Va 213Vc 213Vd 213Ve $85 each | $85.00+ |
 | 1282 | Opate | Large, early, off-round wound beads in bright, primary colors. Opate in Yoruba meant "best of the lot" referring to these, marble and moon beads, as the best beads that could be worn by commoners (i.e. not Chevrons, which were for chiefs & dignitaries.) Red is commonest, and worth $500 / strand. From a 1980s strand that included marble beads. Singles & Lots: 1282R1) Two reds, ±18x20mm $27.50; 1282R3) Red & red-orange, ±18x20mm $27.50 1282P1) Pink, 20x21mm $20; 1282U1) Blue, 18x20mm $20; 1282G1) Dark Green, 25x260mm $85; 1282W1) White, 30x30mm $65; 1282L1) Smaller beads from strand, lot, maybe later or not Opate, $20 | $20.00+ |
 | 1202 | Cobalt Florals | Thick, matte cobalt-blue barrels with marvered(?) multicolored floral and green "snake" design, about 14x13mm. Venice? Traded into Ghana. Samples shown. Singles: $7.50 each, $6/3+, $5/10+ | $7.50 |
 | 3359 | Bilateral Floral | Pink & Yellow flower displayed symmetrically on black base. Singles: 3359E) Bicone, 14x11mm, $15 each; 3359J) Bicone, ±12x10mm, $12 each; 3359A) SOLD; 3359C) Slight wear $17.50; 3359E) Roughness, etc. $10.00. Discount 3359-3361 mix or match: 10% for any 3+ beads, 15% for 6. | $12.00+ |
 | 3360 | Pink Floral | Venice: Pink flower with white, yellow & pink leaves at either end, 4x, trailed on round wound black base. About 12.3 - 14.5mm wide. Sorted by condition (flaws, wear, chips), showing Singles at 500%. 3360A) Perfect or nearly $27.50; 3360C) Slight wear $17.50; 3360E) Roughness, etc. $10.00. Discount 3359-3361 mix or match: 10% for any 3+ beads, 15% for 6. | $10.00 - 27.00 |
 | 3361 | Painted Blacks | Venice: Vibrant red, green & yellow in leaf / floral patterns, trailed on round wound black base. About 14mm wide. All in such lovely condition I have shown samples. Singles: $22.50 each, or $17.50 ea. / 3+ A) Perfect or nearly $27.50; C) Slight wear $17.50; E) Roughness, etc. $10.00. Discount 3359-3361 mix or match: 10% for any 3+ beads, 15% for 6. | $10.00 - 22.50 |
 | 3363 | Pennants | Red, yellow, white & blue irregular pennants on roundish wound black base, about 14x12.5mm. Great condition. Samples shown. Singles: $15 each, or $12 / 3+. | $15.00 |
 | 3362 | Black Big-eye | Near-round ellipsoids with yellow end-bands and complexly wreathed multicolor eyes on a wound black base. Singles: 3362B) Nice, very little wear or flaws $19.50 each; 3362D) Minor chips or missing eye centers, etc. posed with worst side showing $12.50 ea. | $12.50 / 19.50 |
 | 3365 | Old Striped Cylinders | Early Venice types showing use, wound & trailed with stripes, mostly 13x9mm. 3365G) Greens with spotted ends $8.00 each, $6.00 ea. / 3+; 3365B) Blue-greens, rougher condition $6.50 each, $5.00 ea. / 3+. OK to mix for quantity price. Samples shown. | $5.00 - $8.00 |
 | 698 | Abu-Dhabi | Tapered black cylinders with bright, sloppy trailed stripes lengthwise, usual lengths 14-20mm. Made c. 1850s, so usually found well worn. Traded to Ghana; possibly imitating a local bead?. Dubin #71c, Panini p.172, 254. 24-26" Strands: 698e $55 | $55.00 - 70.00 |
 | 3368 | Yellow Leaf | Venice, cylinder disks, egg-yellow base with b&w opposed-leaf design. High-value old bead in top condition. Singles: $11.50 each, or $9.00 each / 3+ | $11.50 |
 | 555 | American Flag | Red & blue stripes on thick white layer, over red (or white) core. Ends can be natural wound or filed flat (by users?). These are a later, less valuable version of the true chevron "Manhattan" beads. See Picard Chevron #943-47. Lots: showing varieties $17.50 each lot: 555La 555Lb 555Lc 555Ld 555Le 555Lq Strands: 555a Short strand 23+ pieces $65 | $17.50+ |
 | 1064 | Flag Cousins #1 | Wound brick-red with narrow-band black & white stripes, a relative of Manhattan & American Flag beads, somewhere in between in rarity. Bead widths mostly 16-20mm. Enlarged to 400%, lots of 3 beads, mixed sizes. LOTS: Best: 1064A1 1064A2 1064A5 1064A4 $39/lot; Minor flaws: 1064B1 1064B2 1064B3 1064B4 $29/lot; Serious flaws: 1064C1 1064C2 1064C3 $22/lot; Lot of 10: 1064b) Large, 10-20mm widths, best quality $135 | $15.00 - 39.00 |
 | 1065 | Flag Cousins #2, #3 | Wound striped beads, size & patterns similar to Manhattan & American Flag beads, probably somewhere in between in age Bead widths mostly 12.5-15mm. Enlarged to 300%. Singles: 1065R) Brick red with black, white & blue stripes, $4.50 each, $3.50/3+; 1065Y Red, white, yellow stripes over purple or black core, $6 each, $4.50/3+; OK to mix for quantity discount. | $4.00 - 7.00 |
 | 1222 | Gooseberry | Clear glass barrels with thin white stripes, rough flat ends, variable lengths, 10-11mm widths. This clear variety from Africa is valued in North America for its association with early Spanish traders. Not a modern Venetian or Asian variety. Loose lot, Small beads: 1222L1) Tiny ±4-5mm group $20; Strands:Small beads: 1222B) Widths ±5mm, 22" strand, $30 each; Strand, Large beads: 1222Aa) 88 beads, widths 9.7-11mm, 34" strand, $150 | $20.00+ / 150 |
 | 579 | Tic tac toe | Brick-red barrels with white crosshatching enclosing blue-on-white eyes. Long 32" strands: 579e 579g 579h $135 each; Regular 24" strands: 579Aa 579Ab 579Ac 579Ad 579Ae 579Af $85, or $75 ea. / 2+ | $85.00 / 135.00 |
 | 745 | Medicine Beads | Milk white, round or slightly ovoid 10-11mm wound bead with incused dark blue dots and trailed pink lines. Called Medicine bead by Crow Indians, who used them on their medicine bundle (amulet) and as spacers on bear-claw necklaces. These traded into Ethiopia. 30" strands. 80-82 beads 745aa 745bb 745ff 745dd 745ee $100 Each; 24" strands 61-63 beads unless noted. 745Pa 745Pb 745Pc 745Pd 745Pe $72.50 Each | $72.50 / 100 |
 | 910 | Whitewash | Unusual bead: Black core, textured probably to promote grip of trailed white, then red & blue spots inset. Portions of the 'whitewash" have cracked away on some beads. Traded into Nigeria. Beads ±10.7-12.7mm. Strands: 910b 24" $95; 910c 32" Top condition $195 | $95.00 / 195.00 |
 | 717 | Zen (Six) | Black shell over white core with repeated, trailed white "six" or "@" symbol with blue highlights. Venetian, called Zen beads. Singles & Lots: 717U) Unused, ±14-15mm widths: $10 ea, $9/3, $8/5+; 717V) Slightly used, ±12.5-13.5mm widths, blue "tails" on 6: $7 ea, $6/3+, OK to mix; 717L1) Five varieties, $45; 717L2) Four 15+mm widths, used, $29; Strands: 717b Half strand, 12-15mm widths, pristine with a few mfg. defects only, $165 | $7 / $165 |
 | 719 | Rattlesixes | Trailed, white wavy lines, "six" or "@" symbol repeated on black barrel-shaped beads, as though a cross between rattlesnake and "Zen" or 6-beads. Strands: 719b 34", mostly 8-11mm widths, flat-end beads, some eye beads, $190 | $190.00 |
 | 700 | Bumblebees | Bold continuous yellow stripe winding about round wound (black) base, 12-14mm widths, similar to (Dutch) "Rattlesnake" but I have placed with Venice referencing Dubin #99a. Singles & Lots: 700) Good quality: $5.50/3+, $4.50/10+; 700L1) 4 pieces $12; 700L3) 4 blue $16 | $5.50 |
 | 1280 | Small banded blacks | Small black barrel with trailed yellow & white bands, ±9-10x6mm. Traded to Mali. Unimpressive, but scarce. I shortened a long strand in order to offer singles. Singles: $2.50 each/3+, 1.50/10+; Strand: 1280a) Partial strand, 22" $75 | $2.50 / 75.00 |
 | 565 | Yellow Eye Beads | Yellow has always been a popular bead color in Africa, but it's not popular among collectors and crafters today, so this old stock is priced at about what it would cost me today. These Venetians somewhat resemble Bodoms popular in Ghana. Panini p.224. ±14-17mm widths. Several types of design among these strands. Strands: 565a 28" $125; 565f 26" $125 | $125.00+ |
 | 3371 | Green "Akoso" | Venice, cane-cut barrels, 3371E) Green with bold red & black eyes, or ; 3371P) Green with crossed-loops design (more worn). Mostly 14-15x10mm. Samples shown. Mix or match. $7.00 each, or $5.50 each / 5+.; 3371S2) SET of six including a fatter bead, color &pattern varieties $45 | $7.00 / 45.00 |
 | 3370 | Yellow "Akoso" | Venice, cylinder disks with yellow matte base & bold patterns similar to Akoso. Singles: $11.50 each, or $9.00 each / 3+ | $11.50 |
 | 1182 | Pineapple, Pink | Venetian bead with criss-cross patterns possibly inspired by Ghanian Krobos. Scans at 300%. Singles: Intact: Ends natural or slightly flattened from wear or filing: 1182h 1182j 1182m 1182n 1182p 1182q 1182g $30 each Filed ends: 1182Z) Bevelled to better fit a curved necklace, all nice condition, Samples shown $17.50 each, $15/3+ Varieties & Lots: 1182L2) $40; 1182L3) $20; 1182L4) $10 | $16.00+ |
 | 948 | Pineapple, Yellow | Matte yellow-based with formalized version of Ghanian Krobo pattern. Supplier says called Awally in Ghana. When aged as these are, they look much like the African originals, but are much less expensive. Most 9.5-12mm Wide x 12-18mm lengths. Strands: 948a 27" $82.50; 948g 27" broken $67.50; 948h 26" $85.00; 948j 28" $75 | $67.00 - 82.00 |
 | 984 | Striped Yellow | Spiral stripes Yolk-yellow barrels with lengthwise or diagonal red & green stripes, similar to the native Akoso beads, traded into Ghana. Strands: 984b) 12-14mm widths, plus strays, 32" strand $100 | $30.00+ |
 | 894 | Striped Yellow | Cross Stripes Bright yellow barrels with green, red & white cross-stripes & squiggles. About 10mm widths. Strands: 894a) Matte, Long 34" strand $85; 894b) Shiny, 24" strand $55 | $55.00+ |
 | 949 | Eye Krobo | Yolk-yellow barrels, red eyes containing complex motes. Venetian imitating African beads. Africa Direct calls them "Lattachine" but I can't find a definition of this term. Usual size About 9-10 x 14-17mm barrels 26" strands: 949a 949b $47.50 each; Smaller eyes: 1980s longer 30" strand with a different type of eye pattern: 949d $65 | $47.50+ |
 | 1090 | Yellow cylinder / eye | Egg-yolk yellow barrels, irregular brown eyes with white chain motif, 15 x 10.5mm. Supplier calls them Monkey-head Millefiori. Excellent condition. 26" Strand: 1090a | $275.00 |
 | 1294 | Decorated Rat's Dung? | Small elongated dark browns with wavy white & yellow banding, mostly ±10x5mm. Unusual; kind of alike a decorated version of the Gajuroko (Rat's Dung) type.. Many are dirty or cracked. 10-11" strands: 1294a 1294b | $47.50 |
 | 572 | Dog's Tooth (Ruffle) | Roundish, ruffled black with prominent white ridge. Possibly made in Venice; traded to the Igbo of Nigeria. Bead widths mostly 7.5-13mm. (Watch out for modern imitations with vague ruffles & clean look.) Short strands 20" 572n 572p 572q $60 each; Long Strands 35" 572r ; 572s $100 each | $60.00 / $100 |
 | 525 | Dutch Delft | Ellipsoid with fluid flower patterns in blue or red on bone white base. Venetian imitations of a Dutch bead. Called Dabwa in Nigeria. Beads about 8m wide, 13-16m long. Often found chalky with the blue leeched away. Poor quality: 22" strands $27.50 each: 525Nc | 27.50 |
 | 526 | Dutch Delft Variants | Fluid flower patterns in blue or red on bone white base. Venetian imitations of a Dutch bead. 24" Strand: 526b Mostly round $60 | $60.00 |
 | 812 | Ethiopia Whites, Newer | Fairly large, wound bright-white beads over clear core. Venice, traded to Ethiopia. Widths fairly uniform 14-16mm, 23-24" strands | $35.00 |
 | 518T | French Cross, Yellow Fatties | French Cross pattern on a larger barrel bead rather than the usual ellipse. Mostly 12x15mm. Lots scanned at 200% for detail: 518Ta 518Tb 518Tc 518Te 518Tj $12.50 / Lot; Strand: 518Ua) Variant with wide center belt 28" , $120 | $12.50 / 120.00 |
 | 967 | Aja | Early 20th c. Thin slices of varying width, thickness and design, also spelled Eja and meaning fish eye in Yoruba. Usually a good mix of types on each strand. I don't know this series, so you may find bargains here. Long 28+" strands. Group 1 Widths ±5-6mm $45 each 967Aa 967Ab Group 2 Widths ±6-8mm $60 each: 967Ca Group 3 Widths ±6-9mm $70 each: 967Da 967Dc 967De 967Df 967Dg Odd lots: 967Ar 10.6gm loose, should be about 28" linear $110 | $45.00+ |
 | 968 | Chevron Aja | Thin slices of five-layer "French" or Yellowjacket Chevrons. Long 28+" strands. Group 1: Mixed with regular Aja; beads between x's are chevrons. 968Mb 968Md $100 each Group 2: Mostly chevrons, noted "not" in photos by main groups that are regular aja beads. 968Na 968Nb 968Nc 968Nf $125.00 each | $100.00+ |
 | 1122 | Crumb, Textured | a.k.a. End-of-day bead. Tiny yellow & red globules on black cores, mostly round and 8-14mm widths. So-named as they appear to be made of scrap glass. Singles: 1122) ±11.5-14mm, $2.50 each/3+; $2.00/10+; Strands All from a 1980s collection: 1122a 20" partial strand, mostly 12mm rounds $75.00; 1122d 22" strand of small 8.5-9.5mm widths, $95; 1122f 28" strand of small 8.5-10mm widths, $125 | $2.50 / 75.00 |
 | 1123 | Crumb | Round a.k.a. End-of-day bead. Multicolored spots marvered into surface, producing a very colorful, shiny bead. ±8-10x11-12.5mm Flaky brown core with red, white & yellow inclusions. Most have soiled, crazed surfaces, some with chips. From Africa, the Traders feel they are Venetian, but more likely from India. Singles: 1123) Samples shown, but no badly chipped or broken, $2.50 each/3+, $1.65/12+; Strands: 1123a 1123b 1123c 24", 65.00 each | $2.50 / 65.00 |
 | 1121 | Crumb | Short Barrels a.k.a. End-of-day bead. Multicolored spots marvered into surface, producing a very colorful, shiny bead. ±8-10x7-8mm Blue core with red, white & yellow inclusions. Shiny, showing no use. From Africa, the Traders feel they are Venetian, but more likely from India. Singles: 1121) $1.50 each/3+, $1.00/12+; Strands: 1121a 1121b 1121c 22", 42.50 each | $1.35 / 42.50 |
 | 820 | Crumb | Barrels "End-of-day" bead, multicolored powder bits marvered to large yellow barrel. Singles: 820a) $85; 820b) $65.00 | $65.00+ |
 | 1264 | Fancy Tire | Black tire with white side-walls & trailed red & white snake patterns, much like a fancy racing tire, ±9x24mm. See Picard, Chevron and Nueva Cadiz Beads #501. First I've seen, picked some nice ones from a larger lot. Shown four views at 400%. Singles: 1264a) Nice condition $145; 1264b) Some pitting, loss of cane, $100; 1264c) Some pitting, loss of cane, $100; 1264d) Unusual small, thick (10x13.4mm), nice condition, $95.00 | $100.00+ |
 | 987-9 | Wedding Cake | Amongst the fanciest of beads, they are distinguished by raised (trailed) wavy lines, and aventurine (ground copper) bands. Samples are shown at 200%; usually few defects and little or no wear. Prices are per bead; you may mix types to get the best quantity price. SINGLES: ROUND 989A) Yellow & aventurine on black, 11-12mm widths $10 each, $8/3+, $6.50/10+; 989B,C) Yellow or White & aventurine on black, 10.5-11mm widths $8.50 each, $6.50/3+; 989G) White & aventurine on pink 10.5-11mm widths $8.50 each; 989R) Multicolor dots, aventurine band & waves on black, 15-16mm widths $15 each, $11/3+, $9.00/10+ ; 989P) White & aventurine on pink, 10.5-11mm widths $9.00 each, $7.50/3+ BARREL: 988B) White & Gold trailing on green, ±9.5x20mm, some fading or pits $11 each, $9/3+, $7.00/10+; 988C) Yellow & red trailing, aventurine band on black ±10x20mm $16 each, $12/3+, $10.00/10+; 988E) $20; 988F) Porcelain white $16.50 each; 988L1) Two color set $23; 988L2) Three color set $30; 988L3) Four color set $40 ELLIPSOID: 987A) Multicolor dots, aventurine band & waves on white ±16x24mm, some yellowing $16 each, $12/3+, $10.00/10+; 987B) Multicolor dots, aventurine band & waves on black ±16x24mm $17.50 each, $13/3+; 987P) Yellow w. aventurine band & 2 trailings, ±13-14x10mm $10 each, $8/3+; 987Q) Pink w. aventurine band & 2 trailings, ±12x10mm $10 each; 987L1) Lot of 3: $20 Mixed Strands Pristine condition, kept for years by a Trader family, some fancy florals included: 989p 989r $265 each | $7.00+ / 265.00 |
 | 3355 | Red floral ellipsoid | Realistic multicolor plant with aventurine cuffs, 23x10mm. Two sides of each bead shown at 300%. Singles: 3355b; 3355d | $59.50 |
 | 3350 | Aventurine Fancies | Blue & white belts, multicolor sunbursts, eyes & aventurine diagonals trailed on long black ellipsoid. One of the most complex of the fancy types. About 30x12mm, exceptional condition. Scans two sides @ 500%. Singles: Perfect, larger: 3350Aa 3350Ab $45 each; Perfect, normal size: 3350Ad 3350Ae 3350Af $40 each; Slight Imperfects: 3350Ba 3350Bb 3350Bc $35 each | $35.00 / 45.00 |
 | 1266 | French Ambassador | Black ellipsoid with four clusters of seven eye-petals in central belt, alternating with petal-headed stems rising from ends. A "blue chip" high value bead in the Africa trade as well as among collectors today. Singles: 1266c) Decent condition, 22x15mm, $65 | $65.00 |
 | 3351 | Ambassador, "Baby" | Three similar but smaller types resembling the famous large Ambassador bead. Scans two sides @ 500%. Singles: Raised (fancy) designs: 3351Ac $25.00; 3351Ad; $22.50 3351Ae $25.00; 3351Af $22.50 Trailed designs, ellipsoid: 3351Bb $27.50; 351Bd $25.00; 3351Be $25.00; 3351Bz Small chips, etc. Samples shown. $19.50 Each Trailed designs, barrel: 3351Ca All similar, so Samples shown $22.50 each, or $19.50 ea. / 3+; 3351Cb More worn or chipped Samples shown $17.50 ea.; 3351Cc Lot of 3 different, lower quality $35 | $17.00 - 30.00 |
 | 3351R | Ambassador, Round | Round version of the bead with fancy trailed floral design, mostly 11x12mm, all in excellent condition. Samples shown. Each: $27.50; | $27.50 |
 | 3353 | Lewis & Clark | Oblique red, white & blue bands separating chains of paired white leaves trailed on long black ellipsoid. Though the Lewis & Clark expedition carried beads, this type was a general high-value trade bead in both North America and Africa These in exceptional condition. Two different sides @ 500%. SINGLES/LOTS: Mostly 21-22m long x 10.5-11mm wide. Almost no wear $47.50 each 3353Aa 3353Ab 3353Ac 3353Ad 3353Ae Slight Imperfects $38.50 each: 3353Ba 3353Bb 3353Bc 3353Bd Small chips $29.50 each: 3353Da 3353Db Damage $14.50 each: 3353Fa 3353Fc Damaged Lot $35: 3353L1 Nice used: 3353J) Samples shown, $30.00 each, $25/3+, $22.50/6+ STRANDS: 900g) Graduated 18x9mm to 28x14mm, 26", 30 beads, $525 900j) Graduated 17x10mm to 31x14mm, 25", 30 beads, $465; Asian Fakes Normally I don't sell repro beads but got conned by Md. Drammeh 900a 900b $40 | $15.00 / 465.00+ |
| MILLEFIORI Also known as mosaic beads, thousand-flower = mille - fiori is an ancient technique of combining separate canes (a core, plus numerous surface canes) used by Venetian bead makers of the mid 19th century through the 1940s to produce many different patterns, often resembling stars, sunbursts, or eyes repeated over the surface of large tubular beads. Many different colors forming complex patterns could be used on a single bead. Rectangular, ellipsoid, elbowed and other shapes are rarer, yet even a bead beginner can spot more valuable patterns on the conventional shape from sheer eye appeal. Africa, where they were often cut into smaller units, was by far the largest market for this bead. Though not the earliest nor most important, they may be as a class the best known of "trade" beads, and were referred to as Hippie Beads in 1960-70's America. See Dubin p.112, Panini p.159, Quiggin #6. Since 2009 China has produced realistic copies which are sold by the less scrupulous Traders. Distinguishing Asian from Venetian. | ||||
 | 208 | Millefiori: Singles & Special Types | Single beads or small lots. Shown 200%. 208Aa) Deep Green / sunburst $6.50 ea.; 208Ab) Purple sunbursts: a) Near perfect $12.50 ea., b) Minor flakes $9.50, c) Major flake $6, d) Short $4.50; 208Ac) Yellow sunbursts: $3.00 ea., $2.50/3+; 208L1) $25/Lot; Ghana Millefiori: 208G) So called due to a preference in Ghana for narrower Millie types, widths 7.5-8mm. First I've seen and only this pattern. $2.00/10+; Strands: 208Ga) Long 40", $120 | $3.00+ |
 | 210 | Millefiori: Mixed | Basic Mix: It is hard to find full 22-26" strands for less than this today. Lots of variety here. Scans at 150%. Strands: 210Bb 210Bc 210Br 210Be 210Bg 210Bh 210Bu 210Bv 210BL 210Bw 210Bp 210Bs $55.00 each | $55.00 |
 | 211 | Millefiori: Mixed | Better Mix: Larger to better beads than in the Basic Mix category. Lots of variety here. Scans at 150%. I have tried to rotate beads to show worst side. 22-26" Strands: 211Bb $67.50 | $67.50+ |
| 217 | Millefiori: Mixed | Long strands High quality, mostly longer, larger beads, usually 2-3 types per strand. Invest a few clicks here! 34-36" Strands: 217d 217e 217f 217j | $110.00 |
 | 211T | Millefiori: All-alikes | Full strands of just one or two patterns. Generally these are larger, full-sized (not broken or filed) beads. 24-26" strands unless noted. Lots of variety here. Let me know if interested in part strands. I have tried to show damaged side (if any). Scans at 150%. Strands: 211Tb Yellow, red $80.00 211Td Blue, yellow (smaller) $70.00 211Te Zebra pattern, long 32" $135 211TL small Yellows, 28" strand $60; 211Tq Short thick yellows, 30" $65; | $80.00 - 135.00 |
 | 216 | Millefiori:, squared | Rectangular, scarcer than usual cylinder shape. Singles & Lots: Scanned at 200% 216L1) $15; 216L2) $15; 216L3) $10; Matched Strands: Scanned at 150%. 216a) Black, with dense multicolor eyes. $150; 216b) Yellow, multicolor florals in frames $150; 216c) Yellow-green $60; 216e) Big greens $135 | $10.00 - 175.00 |
 | 211 | Millefiori: Unusual Shapes | Snake-Head, Singles: Sexagonal tabular, snake-head, called Langkantree in Ghana, 29x10-11mm 211Aa 211Ab $50 each; 15x7mm 211Ba $25; Ellipsoid Singles: 211Ra) ±13x10mm, $7.50 each; 211Rb) ±15x11mm, $20 | $7.50 / 55.00 |
 | 209 | Millefiori Elbows, Singles & Lots | Red, plain over black core, only decoration is recessed lines, 43-45x13mm. Some wear but no major chips. All similar, Samples shown: 209A) $10 each, $8.50/3+ Yellow, octopus eyes: 14mm Wide: Few flaws or none: 209Bb) 51-52mm (2) $27.50, 209Bc) 50, 55mm (2) $27.50; Small chips: 209Bd) 53-54mm (2) $20.00; Various flaws: 209Bg) 42, 50mm (2) $12.00, 209Bh) 38-44mm (3) $25.00, 209Bj) 53-54mm (3) $12.00 Redbrick, framed florals: 14mm Wide: Few or no flaws: 209Ca) 60mm $20.00, 209Cb) 59mm $20.00, 209Cc) 57mm $18.50, 209Cd) 55mm $18.50, 209Ce) 59mm (2) $39.00, 209Cf) 59-60mm (2) $39.00; End irregular or chipped: 209Cg) 57-59mm (3) $45.00 Yellow & Red Sunbursts: Shiny surface, 50-51x14mm $20.00 each: 209Da, 209Db, 209Dc; 43-47x14mm $17.50 each: 209Dd, 209De, 209Df; More matte, white or blueish surface, 41-43x15mm, Samples $15 each: 209DK; Smaller, glossy, 38-40x12-14mm Samples $15 each: 209DN; Odd bead on strand, NICE 51x14mm $20: 209Dz Green, brown, white Florals: 46-50x14mm chips or flakes. Scans 200% 209Ea) $20; 209Ec) $19.00; 209Ed) $22.50 Yellow, outlined sunbursts 13-14mm wide: 209Fa) (2) 56mm $18; 209Fb) (2) 54mm $30; 209Fc) (2) 54mm $25; 209Fd) (2) 47mm $20; 209Fe) (2) 43/48mm $15 Purple, amoebas & stripe: 10-11mm wide, most 47-50mm long: 209Ga) (2) $25; 209Gb) (2) $25; 209Gd) (3) $20; 209Gf) (5) $20 Red, blue sunbursts: Biggest millies I've seen, 15mm wide unless noted: 209Hd) $22; 209Hf) $20; 209Hg) $18; 209Hj) (2) $24; 209Hk) (5) $22 Elbow & matched regulars: 209Ya) (7) $45; 209Yb) (4) $29.00 Mixed lots: $50 per lot unless noted: 209Za) 209Zc) 209Zd) 209Ze) $70 DISCOUNT: For gross fillable order of elbows (209) of $100 take 10% discount from total; $200 take 15%. Excluded: strands and per-quantity prices. | $8.50+ |
 | 209 | Millefiori Elbow Strands | Thinner beads: 209p 9-11mm $175 | 175.00 |
 | 1084 | True Brit / Bear Claw | White with red, white & blue eyes resembling the Union Jack, also called Bear Claw Millefiori Ellipsoids Off-white, 14.7x9mm. Strands: 1084a 24", $60; Barrel Eggshell-white with four "Union jack" eyes (look like a striped bead seen endwise), ±10-14x7mm, called Aday in Ghana. 1084Va 20", $60; 1084Vb 20", $60;; 1084Vc 40", $120; 1084Ta Uniform, semi-translucent barrels, 32", Nice! $190 | $60.00+ |
 | 1228 | Peacock Bead | Semi-translucent yellow flat-end ellipsoids with multicolor banding and complex peacock-fan shaped eyes, about 15x10mm. Supplier calls it Peacock bead, and says they were traded to the Americas, but I can find no other references. Shown 400%. Lots of 3: Top quality. 1228A1 1228A2 1228A3 1228A4 $21 per lot; Lots of 5: Top quality. 1228B1 1228B2 $30/Lot; Lots of 4: Small imperfections or filed down. 1228C1 1228C2 $16/Lot | $16.00 |
 | 1083 | Chevron Eyes | Unusual bead. Looks somewhat like a millefiori with eyes that look like a chevron seen endwise. Mostly 22x14mm. Singles: $7.50 each/2+, 5.50/5+ | $7.50 |
 | 1146 | Old Squares | Rectangular or tabular in purplish brick-red, eye design. Possibly an early millefiori? Wear suggests age? 1146F) Rectangular tabular: White/green eyes, about 19x12x7mm Samples shown $8/bead, $6/3+; 1146Q) Rectangular Squared: White/yellow eyes, about 19x9x9mm LOTS available: 1146Qa $35; Mixed lots: 1146Qc $20; 1146Qd $20; 1146Qe $20; 1146Qf $28 | $8.00+ |
 | 1248 | Marvered Greens | From a 1980's collection, an obscure type the Traders tell me is scarce. Some chipped. 20" Strand. | $125.00 |
 | 778 | Agate, White | Huge glass beads traded to the Yoruba, who call them Sakia. Milky white, semi-translucent with veins, they do look like stone. Good value in a large bead. Good central bead or pendant for a necklace. 28+" Strands: 778e; 778h; 778r; 778n; 778q $57.50 each
Slightly shorter strands: 778k; 778L $49.50 each; Discount: 15% for 3+ strands | $49.50 - 57.50 |
 | 1106 | Red Stripes | Venice: Cane-cut short barrels, dark red vertical stripes on white, widths mostly 9-10mm. Sample 24" shown as all strands similar. | $27.50 |
 | 1236 | Blue Finned Barrels | Translucent light blue, 8.5-9 x ±7.5mm, some have what appear to be "fins" on the side, but supplier says Venice, not a (moulded) Bohemian type. Opinions?? 28" Strands | $45.00 |
 | 687 | Not Russian Blue | Tubular bead imitating the lighter variety of Russian Blue. Called "Janie" in some parts of Africa, possibly a corruption of Djenne. Widths ±4-5.5mm, 24-26" strands. Two examples show range of colors & lengths. $12.50 each, $9.50/3+ | $12.50 |
 | 1208 | Massai Blues | Plain, matte larger-than-seed reputedly traded to the Massai. Blues are Venetian. Widths about 5-5.5mm, 21-22" strands, great variety of shapes (advise if you have a preference). The blues are a particularly lovely shade. 1208B Pale blue, 1208K Black SOLD. Mix or match, $9 each, $8/3+ | $9.00 |
 | 1134 | Striped Greenhearts | Cane-cut black & white stripes on red, over greenish-clear core, about 10-11x8mm. Lots of six beads, available: 1134a 1134b | $17.50 |
 | 1040 | Tile Beads | Small tubes with burnt-red exterior over darker core. Traded to the Naga and Chin peoples of NW Burma and NE India. Typical sizes are 3x8mm and 4x5mm for two sample strands shown. These are from an importer's stash from the 1990s or earlier; I can't find them offered online. They don't come up in the Africa trade. 34" strands: $6.00 each; 4.50/3, 3.75/10, 3.00/50; Set of thick & thin strands, $10 | $3.00 - 6.00 |
| BOHEMIA | ||||
| The Czech beadmakers gave Venice serious competition in the late 19th & early 20th Centuries. Molded (seamed) beads are characteristic of Bohemian workshops. | ||||
 | 1276 | Peeling beads | These are from the Cassamance region, source of some of the earliest European beads traded to Africa, and my supplier thought they were old Venetian, trying to imitate something African but they did not have the coating process well mastered. But a knowledgeable poster on beadcollector.net says definitely molded Czech, with rods hand-pressed into moulds under varying conditions, so the size variability is expected. Between Africa's climate and perhaps long wear, the coating begins to flake away. Range ±10-12.8mm widths. Singles: Mixed caramel brown and peeling, $.85 each/3+, .60/12+; 30-32" Strands: 1276e 1276c 1276d | $35.00 |
| RUSSIAN BLUES One of the earliest beads made in Bohemia, beginning before 1800, and peaking about 1845. It was cut from faceted canes and then further faceted by grinding. Usual shapes are squares and rectangles with up to 21 facets. The most popular color, then and now, is a dark blue, though others were produced, and a lighter blue was popular in Africa. Their name comes from association with the Russian fur trade in Alaska, though they were apparently stocked by Hudson's Bay as well, and traded elsewhere in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. | ||||
 | 562N | Russian Blue Faceted square | Medium beads: Longer strands Squarish & Mixed. Widths range 6-12mm, graduated or uniform strands. Dark cobalt to lighter blue. Each one different. Associated with North American trade, these from Africa. 30" Strands: 562N1 562N3 562N6 562N8 562N9 562N10 562N14 | $100.00 |
| 562P | Russian Blue Faceted square | Medium beads: 24" strands Squarish & Mixed. Widths range 6-12mm, graduated or uniform strands. Each one different. Associated with North American trade, these from Africa. Same size beads as 562N but may display as smaller in some browsers due to linear scans. 24" Strands: 562P21 $100; 562P22 $80 | $80.00+ |
 | 563F | Russian Blue: Large | Faceted Ellipsoid Largest of the Russians. Sizes noted in photos. Strands: 563Fb) 25 beads, fairly uniform & symmetrical $325; 563Fd) 29 beads, variation in shapes & sizes $275; 563Ff) 29 beads, plus spacers, variation in shapes & sizes $285 | $250.00+ |
 | 563R | Russian Blue: Large | Faceted Rounds & Others "Diamond cut" and other less usual shapes. Strands: 563Ra) Long 36" strand, a collection of unusual shapes, colors & "relatives" $300 | $235.00+ |
 | 563E | Russian Blue: Faceted Tubular | Faceted tubes in medium to cobalt blue color. Used in North America trade, though these from Africa. Most 15-22mm L x 4-5mm W. 22-24" Strands: 563Ej 563Ek 563EL 563Em 563En 563Ep 563Eq 563Er | $75.00 |
 | 563T | Russian Blue, Tubular | Unfaceted tubes in medium blue color. Used in North America trade, though these from Africa. Most 30-35mm L x 6-7mm W, large center holes. Quite a bargain considering the cost of even small faceted beads today. Sample 28-30" strands shown. $35/ strand, $30/3+ | $35.00 |
 | 563U | Russian Blue: Large Tubular | Long tubes 29-32x10mm interspersed with medium-sized faceted beads, long 33" strand | $175.00 |
 | 561 | Russian Blue (Light) | Multifaceted Squares Mixed sky blue to medium blue. Mostly 8-12m beads, but some graduated strands with 6mm. Traded into Africa; less expensive than cobalt blues used in North America. Average condition. 26-28" Strands: 561a 561c 561d 561e 561f 561g 561j 561k 561L 561m $40.00 each, $35/3+ Bulk: 561Za) Just as the photo'd strands: $35 each, $30/3+; Bulk shorter: 561Zb: 26" vs 28" strands Samples $32.50 each, $28/3+. OK to mix categories for quantity discounts. | $30.00+ |
 | 560A | Russian Blue (Light) | Rectangle 12-facet Sky blues traded to Africa, less expensive than cobalt blue popular in Americas. Twelve wide facets slightly tapered to flat ends, about 17x9mm. 24" Strands: 560Aa) $65; 560Ab) $65; 560Ac) Larger but mixed types, 26" strand $45 | $45.00+ |
 | 560F | Russian Blue (Light) | Multifaceted Ellipsoid Sky blues traded to Africa, less expensive than cobalt blue popular in Americas. Mostly 17x9mm. 22" Strands: 560Fa) $55; 560Fb $55; 560Fc (dirty) $45 | $45.00+ |
| 687 | Not Russian Blue | Tubular Venetian bead imitating the lighter variety of Russian Blue. Called "Janie" in some parts of Africa, possibly a corruption of Djenn&eacuate;. Widths ±4-5.5mm, 24-26" strands. Two examples show range of colors & lengths. $12.50 each, $9.50/3+ | $12.50 |
 | 844 | Black Iridescent | Various shapes with facets, predominantly black but with a bright bluish sheen. A very distinctive look created by "fuming" metal during production so that microscopic particles adhere to the glass surface. Like Russian blues, with a new twist. Traded into Nigeria. Some strands have dull (non-fumed) black or other strays. 24" Strands: 844d 844e 844g 844j 84k 844L 844M$22.50each; Larger beads 844Zb $27.50 each | $22.50+ |
| VASELINE Generally translucent, moulded bead type from Bohemia, sources differ on its age, "fur trade" era to ca. 1900 (Dubin chart) or 1915, though the common types from the Africa trade seem too well worn for 20th century. They appear in a tremendous variety of colors and shapes. Faceted bicones about 15-16mm wide in forest green or red are commonest, with smaller amber - originally made with uranium salts - clears, and clear with yellow / green / blue highlights next most available, and numerous other colors and opaques rarer. The faceted bicones are common in both blunt and sharp-ridged varieties, with 12-facets scarcer; round, fluted round, and multifaceted rarest. Unworn beads, usually in novel shapes or sizes, are modern Czech products. | ||||
 | 502R | Vaseline, Red | Translucent red in unique short faceted bicone shape. Made. ca. 1830-1900. Beads 15-16m wide x 10mm long. Strands are all very similar; most beads show tiny chips & abrasions. Samples shown at 150%, 22-24" strands. | $28.50 |
 | 502G | Vaseline, Green | Translucent forest green in unique short faceted bicone (& some thinner "saucer") shape. Beads 15-16m wide x 10mm long. Made. ca. 1830-1900. Most beads show tiny chips & abrasions. Variety traded to West Africa. Samples shown, 22-24" strands. | $30.00 |
 | 502A | Vaseline, Amber | Translucent glass, unusual Amber color & unusual shapes. Singles: 502Aa) Grooved round (melon) shape, 16mm long: $7.50/1, $5 ea./3+; 502Ab) Faceted Cubes (12-sided), 18mm: $7.00/1, $4.50 ea./3+, ASK/10; Strands: 502Ac) Grooved rounds (43) $150; 502Ad) TINY 7mm faceted, from a storage locker find, first I've seen this size $100; 502Ae) Faceted bicone with sharp ridge 16mm wide, amazing condition $200; 502Af) Faceted square ±14mm wide, amazing condition $200 | $5.00 / 200.00 |
 | 502P | Vaseline, Translucent Yellow | Clear with yellow/green cast, varying from bead to bead. Usual faceted bicones in graduated 11-17mm width strands. 28" strands: 502Pe 502Pb $85 each; Variable strands: 502Pf 40" strand, yellowish cast $120; 502Pg 26" strand $80; 502Ph 30" strand $90 | $80.00+ |
 | 502D | Vaseline, crystal | Crystal clear. Scarcer than clears with yellow-green cast. Shapes include Broad-faceted bicones, 12-facet squares, and melons. Strands: Large beads: 502Da) Long 32" strand $200; 502Db) 26" strand $200; Strands: Small beads: Smallest beads on some strands appear to be "Abyssinia" beads. 502Dr) 30" strand $65; 502Dp) 28" strand $70; 502Dq) 30" strand $65 | $200.00 / 60.00+ |
 | 502Y | Vaseline, Yellow | Yellow-orange-pink shades in usual faceted-bicone shape, but smaller (14-15mm widths); unusual small reds included. Mostly high grade. Scanner under-represents the orange. 26" Strands: 502Ya 502Yb | $135.00 |
 | 502B | Vaseline, Blue | Sky-blue, solid rather than translucent, and mostly smaller than the common reds and greens. Probably much earlier. 30Ó Strands: 502Bc | $155.00 |
 | 502M | Vaseline Mixed Strands | Scarcer colors and shapes, usually well mixed. Each different. Strands: 502Mb Grand mix, 32" $175; 502Me Black & cobalt blue dominate a well-mixed strand, 30" $250; 502Mg More modern(?) mix 1980s strand 26" $50 | $45.00+ |
 | 1110 | Vaseline: Modern | Still made in Czech Republic, generally smaller and more exotic colors are still made for the Africa trade. Don't confuse with powdery Asian products. Multifaceted 12mm beads, mixed 26" strands of red, blue, purple, amber. Samples shown. | $27.50 |
 | 1186 | Early Prosser | Bohemia was an early adopter of the Prosser technique of making a bead from two halves, leaving a seam. This is apparently a scarce earlier type. Beads 8x12mm. 23" Strand: 1186a | $125.00 |
 | 1262 | Czech Mock Coral | Possibly an older type of Prosser bead. 1980s collection tag reads "Portuguese Mock Coral (Tibetan Prayer Beads)" though they are known in the Africa trade. ±11-12mmx 13-14mm, 24" strand | $45.00 |
 | 1198 | Bohemian Moon | Round, edge-drilled translucent white disk with edge seam, 14-15 x 5-6mm. All 24" strands nearly identical and in good condition. $28.50 each, $25/3+ | $28.50 |
 | 1258 | Ndoro Triangles | Conus shells were introduced to East Africa by Arab slavers and served as both currency (like cowries) and status symbols, worn whole or cut in half, on the forehead by Shona Chiefs. "In the 1870s the British destroyed as many of them as they could find in British East Africa, because of their presumed links to paganism. When crime greatly increased due to the lack of currency, they had porcelain copies of the shells made in Bohemia [in 1892 - Liu] with serial numbers on them. In time the Bohemians took the design and made glass copies . . . . " (Francis, p109). See also Liu, R., Collectible Beads p. 29, 42. Today the Masai and related tribes still value and modify by filing the more modern Czech glass copies. My specimens were collected from the Tonga Tribe of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Sngles: Shown at 300%; reverses are plain. 1258C1 1258C3 1258C4 1258C6 ±30-40mm, $15 each; 1258D1 42mm $17.50 | $2.50 - 17.50 |
 | 230 | Talhakimt Pendants (Glass) | Large, flat European-made glass pendant-beads copying metal & stone pieces used by the Tuaregs of the northern Sahara & often considered currency at that time. a.k.a. Niger glass, Zinder beads. About 55x35mm. A detergent soak will remove oils. Samples shown of colors available. Per bead: $10.00; Green only, $8.50/3+, $7.25/10+ | $10.00 |
 | 230Z | Talhakmit Plastic | Look just like the glass versions but these are plastic. Set of three colors. | $17.50 |
 | 610 | Wedding / Balloon / Teardrop | In Ghana called Dondounsuele and worn by men at their wedding, often mixed with flat, curved Gopesegie (tiger claw) or flat, triangular beads. These strands chosen for variety of balloon types. 25" Strands: 610f | $48.50 |
 | 1061 | Dogbone (Dumbell) | Small molded, nesting, pinched-center lozenges, ±4x8.5mm. Scarce and distinctive type. Red: 1061Ra 1061Rb 1061Rc 1061Rd ($45) 1061Re 22" strands, $35.00 unless noted Yellow: 1061Ya 1061Yb 1061Yc 1061Yd 1061Ye Yellow, mixed opaque & translucents, $35.00 each | $35.00 |
 | 1062 | Dogbone (Drum) | a.k.a. Drum or Dondo (Ghana). Bright red. 49-50 beads, 10m wide x 13m long, 26" strand. | $25.00 |
 | 1086 | Agate Glass Rounds | Multifaceted rounds with prosser seam, red-brown streaks & patches imitating stone. Beads 10.7mm wide. Strands: 1086a | $55.00 |
 | 977 | Whitebelts | Glass bead imitating a specialty cut in black agate with a white vein. Shiny black ellipsoids with narrow white waistband. From Nigeria. Samples shown. 977L) 23", beads ±33x11mm, $17.50; 977S) 22", beads range ±7-11mm widths, $14.50 | $14.50 / 17/50 |
 | 681 | Agate Glass Ellipsoids | Faceted flat-end ellipsoids imitating banded stone, but the stone-like striations stop at the lengthwise seam. Hardly good for the illusion that they are stone. Late 19th century. 22+" Strands: 681C red-browns, ±13x7mm | $18.50 |
 | 936 | Button | Molded disks, varying colors and widths. 22" Strands: 936Y) Yellow, ±9mm wide; 936W) Dirty white, ±7-10mm wide. Actually off-white and dirty!, to me a pleasant surprise after all the over-cleaned beads. Mix OK: $12.00 each, $10/3+ | $12.00 |
| 1208 | Massai Blues | Plain, matte larger-than-seed reputedly traded to the Massai. Blues are Venetian. Widths about 5-5.5mm, 21-22" strands, great variety of shapes (advise if you have a preference). The blues are a particularly lovely shade. 1208B Pale blue, 1208K Black SOLD. Mix or match, $9 each, $8/3+ | $9.00 |
 | 975 | Coffee Bean | Short ellipsoids, brown with white side seam and veining, imitating stone. Strands: 975A) 22", beads 12x9mm with one long bead, $13.50; 975B) 26" with two long beads, $20; 975C) 26", 12x9mm beads, $17.50; 975D) 26", smaller 9x6.5mm beads, $16.50; 975e) 24", Mixed size beads, $17.50; | $13.50+ |
 | 1204 | Little Clears | Transparent drawn beads, 5-10mm, Mixed on strands are various shapes: ellipsoid, round, square, faceted. Called "Abyssinia" beads, but found in Burkina Faso. Sample 22-24" strands shown. Strands: $10 each, $8.50/3+, $7/10+ | $7.00 - 10.00 |
 | 1205 | Clear Squares | Cubes, about 8-9mm on a side, worn enough to be a bit misty. Sample 28" strands shown. | $20.00 |
 | 510 | Cranberry | Semi-translucent beads in a distinctive dusty red shade, variety of shapes, usually 6-10mm widths. Favored by the Igbo of Nigeria. 24" Strands of mixed shapes, though we can pick more "smaller faceted" or "larger rounded" if you prefer. Single strand $18, $12/3+, $9/10+ | $18.00 |
 | 528 | Dice Beads | Small bevelled rectangles with recessed spots, Imitating dice. Peter Francis notes the irony of gambling-averse Muslims preferring this type of bead. ±10x5mm. The supply seems to have dried up in recent years. Strands: Pink: 528P) 26", $16; White: 528W) 20", $17.50; Brown: 528N) 20", unused $13.50; Colors & Mixed: 528Ma) 24", $18.50; 528Mc) 24", $17.50 | $16.00 |
 | 798 | Spotless Dice | Small square beads, about 5x6mm with interesting shading patterns. Traded into Ghana, while the usual, more crudely made dice beads with spots come from Nigeria. 22" Strands: 798N) Mainly tan $11.00 each; 798J) Burnt orange $12.50 each | $11.00+ |
 | 680 | Faith Necklace | Based on early carnelian necklaces worn by the first Muslim converts in Saharan Africa, these are now called "Hajj beads" showing that the wearer has made a pilgrimage to Mecca. Ruby red glass with about 42 flat coin-like beads and one or two heart-shaped pendants. c. 1800-1850? The smaller beads read Mohammed or Allahu / Akbar or pictorial stars & crescent; the pendants Allah Hasbi. Necklaces: Two-pendants A: 42 beads, mixed inscriptional & pictorial: 680B6 680B7 680B8 $27 each Two pendants B: 42 beads, all-inscriptional: 680CB1 680CB2 680CB3 680CB4 $29 each Two-pendants, 42 beads, all pictorial: 680D4 $29 each Single Pendant: but 44 beads 680H1 680H2 680H3 680H4 680H5 $27.00 each; Unusuals: 680Z1 Odd pendant, chipped $27 Discount: Any 3 necklaces $24.50 each, 6+ / $20 | $20.00 - 29.00 |
 | 559 | "Pink Padres" | Padre-style beads, Czech, probably fairly modern, found in the Africa trade, possibly for the Massai (Kenya) who favor pink. Also called "Cheyenne pinks." 559P) Wound, padre-sized (7-8mm widths) dark-pink, glossy beads, 22" strands, $11.00 each, $9/5+; 559M) Large-seed size, ±4mm width, paler pink, 20" strands $10 each, $7.50/5+ | $9.00 - 10.00 |
 | 846 | Small Pink | Molded round 5mm beads. This is the color favored by the Massai. $4.50 each per 3+; Single 21" strand: | $6.00 |
 | 827 | Misty Reds | Small (7mm) molded round bead blending translucent & opaque elements, giving a misty, pearl-like appearance. A more sophisticated bead than usually found in the Africa trade, supplier says these were traded to Ghana in the 1950s. 22" strands. | $12.00 |
 | 507 | Streaked Red Cubes | Translucent red with white frost or veining, probably to imitate stone. Molded, early 1900s. A type of Kancamba. ±8mm square, about 70 per 25" strand. | $18.50 |
 | 733T | Red Triangle | Translucent red, edge-holed, 19mm on a side, about 36 per 22" strand. Traded into Mali. Samples shown. Specify "all red" or I will send picked strands with two or more triangles of other colors. | $22.50 |
 | 733R | Red Rounds | Translucent red, edge-holed, 14mm , about 42 per strand. Samples shown. These are uninscribed versions of the beads found on the "Faith necklaces", 22" strands | $12.50 |
 | 1176 | Lipstick refills | Bohemia, large, seamed red barrels, about 30x14mm & other shapes. 24" Strands: 1176a 1176b | $22.50 |
 | 520G | Kankamba: Green | Mould-made disks, various shades of green, patterning, and inclusion of other colors. Widths around 10mm. Early 1900s, but crude "wound" look without the cost of older beads. 20-21" Strands: Scans 150% 520Ga 520Gc 520Gf 520Gg 520Gh 520Gj 520Gm 520Gn 520Gq 520Gr 520Gs 520Gt 520Gu 520Gv 520Gw $12.00 each, $10 / 3+; $8 / 10+; You may combine Green (520G or H), Yellow (520Y) and Red (520R) to get quantity prices. | $12.00 |
 | 520Y | Kankamba: Yellow | Mould-made disks, various shades of yellow and red, various patterns. Widths around 10+mm Early 1900s, but crude "wound" look without the cost of older beads. 20-21" Strands: Scans 150% 520Yc 520Yd 520Yg 520Yh 520Yj 520Yt 520Yu 520Yz 520Yw $12.00 each, $10 / 3+; $8 / 10+; You may combine Green (520G or H), Yellow (520Y) and Red (520R) to get quantity prices. | $12.00 |
 | 520R | Kankamba: Red | Mould-made disks, red (& mottled white) , various patterns. Widths around 10+mm Early 1900s, but crude "wound" look without the cost of older beads. 22-24" Strands: Scans 150% 520Rf ;520Rn $12.00 each, $10 / 3+; $8 / 10+; You may combine Green (520G or H), Yellow (520Y) and Red (520R) to get quantity prices. | $12.00 |
 | 520B | Kankamba: Blue | Mould-made disks, various shades of blue mixed with others, various patterns. Widths around 10+mm. Early 1900s, but crude "wound" look without the cost of older beads. 22" Strands: Scans 150% 520Bb 520Bf 520Bg 520Bd 520Bh $16.50 each; Largest: 13-14mm widths: NONE $20 each | $16.50 / 20.00 |
 | 521B | Kankamba: Blue smaller | Smaller Mould-made disks, various shades of blue mixed with others, various patterns. Widths around 6+mm. Early 1900s, but crude "wound" look without the cost of older beads. 22" Strands: Scans 150% 521Ba 521Bb 521Bc 521Bd 521Be 521Bf $12.00 each; Medium Widths 9.5mm 521Cb 521Cc $15.00 each | $12.00 / 15.00 |
| 521R | Kankamba: Red smaller | Smaller Mould-made disks, Reds, often with with mottling. Widths around 6+mm. Early 1900s, but crude "wound" look without the cost of older beads. 22" Strands: Scans 150% 521Ra 521Rd 521Rf 521Rg 521Rh(Loose 2+ strands $25) | $12.00 |
 | 522 | Kankamba: Mixed | Different shapes, colors, mixed strands, loose lots, etc. Bead widths ±10mm unless noted. See descripton & price for each lot. Strands: 522c) Red Ovoid shape $14.50; 522f) With coconut hishi $12.50; 522L) Broken string ±7.5mm widths $7.50; 522n) 1+ strands loose $12.50; 522p) Thick beads, 24" $13.50; 522r) Mixed colors 7mm $12.50; 522s) Thick $13.50; 522t) Thick / ridged 9-10mm widths $13.50; 522u) Blue, ridged 7.5mm width $14.50; 522x) Strange beads, 8-10mm wide $13.50; 522y)Green, purple, wide 13mm $15.50; 522aa) Wide 13mm, 25" $16.50; 522bb) Yellow / black 6mm $13.50; 522cc) Orange / black cane-cut 7mm $13.50;522ff) Ovoid & large $15; 522gg) Odd shapes & large $15; 522hh) Mix colors $13.50; 522jj) Ovoid $16; 522kk) Squares & ovoids $18; 522LL) Grand mix $18; 522mm) Large, mixed $18; 522nn) Large, mixed $18--> NOT combinable with other Kankamba groups for discount. | $7.00 - 20.00+ |
 | 1073 | Turkana | Small, rounded-end barrels in blue or red strands. 5-6mm size, 24" strands. Dirty as worn. Traded to the Turkana of Kenya. Order 1073R = Red, 1073B = Blue. | $10.00 |
 | 706 | Green Flowers | Four or five toothy knobs around central hole (cog wheel) vaguely imitate flower shape. Strands: 706) Beads 2x6m. Occasional stray color mixed in. Sample 20-22" strands shown. $18.50 | $18.50 |
 | 1296 | Fluted Beads | Fluted, crenelated, rayed shapes, smaller beads in blacks and whites, somewhat resembling "Dogs tooth" beads. These are probably Venetian rather than Bohemian. 10-11" strands. Each different: 1296b Black, white, etc. $18.50; Ñ> 1296a White, more elongated $18.50 | $18.50 |
 | 663 | Snake Beads | Large Widths ±9mm. Late 1800s, cleverly made to imitate nesting snake vertebrae which are used throughout Africa for divination. 22" 22" Strands: 663P Pink $17.50;; 663b Mixed $25 | $17.50+ |
| 664 | Snake Beads | Small Widths ±6mm. Late 1800s, cleverly made to imitate nesting snake vertebrae which are used throughout Africa for divination. 22" 22" Strands: 664P Pink $15.00; 664Y Yellow $15.00; 664U1 Blue $16.50 | $15.00+ |
| NETHERLANDS - GERMANY- FRANCE | ||||
| This section includes types that are not clearly Venetian or Bohemian, and those known to be Dutch German, etc. There is often disagreement about the origin of such beads. Germany was a center for stone beads. "Dutch" delft and "French" Cross beads were made in Venice. "Dutch" (actually German) Dogon, "Russian" (Bohemian) blue are associated with traders of Dutch and Russian origin, not manufacturers. | ||||
| 649 | Porcelain / Cassamance / Goombah / Shipwreck | Among the first European beads traded to Africa, tentatively attributed to Venice. Milk white, tubular widths ±6-9mm, called Porcelain beads, White Greenhearts, Pony beads in the Americas, Goombah in Senegal. Salvage (shipwreck?) beads washed up near the Albreda trading post at Juffureh or near the rivers Gambia or Cassamance (often with green hearts) are called Cassamance beads. The salvage beads have a great, aged look, and are a bit more expensive than the clean ones from trade. Samples shown: 649a) Porcelain / Goombah beads, 24" strands $9.00, $8/3+, $6.50/10+, $5/50+ 649s) Casamance beads (Porcelain / Goombahs from shipwreck) 28-32" strands $14.00, $12.50/3+, $11.00/10+. OK to mix for best discount. | $11.00 / 14.00 |
 | 1214 | Dutch Chevrons | Drawn beads rounded by the early (pre-1860s) a speo or hot tumbled method, many have a fluid, melted look. Ca. 1600s-1700s and likely made in Amsterdam by expatriate Venetians. This exact type found at 1620's Dutch sites in New York. See (download) Karklins, Karlis, The A Speo Method . . ., 1993, esp. figure 4. Most are a very deep blue, appearing black. Shown two views at 400%. Black & Whites: Singles: Crude, early type considered a 3 or 4 layer: 1214A3 $20; 1214A4 $25; 1214A6 $30; 1214A7 $20; 1214A8 $20; 1214A9 $20; 1214A10 $20; Black & Whites: Bulk: Samples shown. 1214C,D,E) C = Nicest quality, mostly ±13x12mm $18.50 each; D = More worn or smaller $13.50 each; E = Most worn or small $9.50 each Small strand: 1214a) Top of strand from which singles were pulled, 35 beads mixed types & condition: $285 Discount: (excluding strand) $50+ total take 10%, $100+ take 20%. | $8.50 / 285.00 |
 | 1215 | Imitation Dutch Chevrons | An early imitation from Ghana or Togo, chalkboard appearance with white lines on black background. Now considered rare in Africa. Singles: $4.50 /1; $3.50 /3; $2.75 /10+; | $3.50 |
| 556 | Manhattan Bead | Dutch five-layer star Chevrons, 1700s, so-called due to the legend of Manhattan's purchase for beads. Later, simpler Venetian imitations are called American Flag. Strands: 556b) Long 34" strand with several varieties, plus some brown Venetian, mostly 10-17mm widths; other side, $450 | $450.00 |
 | 547 | "Dutch" Dogon, HUGE | Germany 1600-1700s & likely later: Classic cobalt blue in barrels and irregular rounds. Strands of graduated or ±15-25mm beads: Better quality Many with internal flaws, but very nice surfaces. Seldom found this nice!: 547a 24", matched, near-perfect beads ±22-25mm, $275; 547c Graduated 28" strand, 15-25mm widths, $165; 547g 24", matched, elongated beads ±21-32mm lengths, $275 | $100.00+ |
 | 545 | "Dutch" Dogon, Rounds | Germany 1600-1700s & likely later: Classic cobalt-blue color, widths about 10-17mm, some larger, each strand different. 26" Strands: Better Quality: 545h 545g $97.50 each Mostly Rounds: 545L 545n 545q 545r $75.00 each Mixed Shapes & larger: 545u 545v 545w 545x $80.00 each | $75.00 - 100.00 |
 | 546 | "Dutch" Dogon: Clear | Germany 1600-1700s & likely later: Graduated 30-32" strands usually ranging 8-20mm widths. Note: Darkening effect on large beads is a scanner artifact; they look nearly transparent. Strands: 546f 30" Average grade $75; 546h 34" Rougher grade $55; 546k 18" Rougher grade $25 | $30.00 - 95.00 |
 | 548 | "Dutch" Dogon, Colors & Shapes | Germany 1600-1700s & likely later: Scarcer than the usual cobalt or clear rounds. Strands posed to show flawed sides of beads. Singles & Lots: 548La 3 perfect sky blue $30; 548Lb 4 colors $40; 548Lc 2 black $20 548Ld 12 smaller blue $20 Mixed Strands: 548k) Grand mix! $265; 548n) White, green, sky-blue, smalls $175; 548p) Huge, rare colors $425; 548q) SMALL blue, black, etc. $175 All-alike Strands: 548c) Blue ellipsoids $175; 548e) Large white ellipsoids $175; 548g) Fat White ellipsoids $200; 548s) Black flat ends, rough ±11-19mm wide $110; 548t) Black ±15.5-17mm wide, top condition! $400 | $20.00 - 425.00 |
 | 670E | Tomato: Yellow | Usual size, ±11-13mm widths, a.k.a. Hummingbird Eggs. European (Venice?) bead traded into Ethiopia. 26" Strands: 670Eh 670Eb 670Ec 670Ed 670Ee 670Ej 670Eg $40.00 each Bulk 670F) Slightly shorter (24" vs 26") strands, just as photo'd strands $32.50 each, $27.50/3+ | $40.00 |
 | 670R | Tomato: Red | Usual size, ±11-13mm widths. aka Jambala beads. Slightly translucent ovoid beads. Vivid red, some variation in shades. European (Venice?) bead traded into Ethiopia. a.k.a. Hummingbird Eggs. 22" Strands: 670Rh 670Rj 670Rk 670RL | $55.00 |
| 670T | Tomato: Red | Large ±19-20mm widths. Slightly translucent ovoid beads. Range cherry to dark red. European (Venice?) bead traded into Ethiopia. 22-23" Strands: Lighter: (Cranberry) 670Th 670Tj 670Tk Ñ>670TL $60 Each | $70.00 |
 | 747R | Square Tomato, Red | Molded wide barrels, colors & translucency much like Tomato (Hummingbird egg) beads. European (Venice?) bead traded into Ethiopia. Beads ±14-17x18-20mm. 26" Strands: 747Re 747Rd | $65.00 |
 | 703 | Rattlesnake / Meander: White | aka Krakamba. Short barrels with wavy white trailings on black. Dubin #127. Made in Amsterdam (Venice?) in 1700s & traded to Iroquois & other Amerinds, though my stock is later (late 1800s - early1900s) and called Krakumba in Ghana. Singles $3.25 each /3+, $2.50 / 10 Strands: 26" 703f Each: | $140.00 |
 | 701 | Rattlesnake / Meander: Yellow | Wavy horizontal YELLOW trailings on shiny black wound glass. Short barrels with wavy YELLOW trailings on black. Dubin #127. Made in Amsterdam (Venice?) in 1700s & traded to Iroquois & other Amerinds, though my stock is later (late 1800s - early1900s) and called Krakumba in Ghana. Scarcer than white variety. Singles: High grade $6 each, $5.25 / 5+. Strands: 24" 701b) High grade $275; 701d) Decent grade $195 | $6.00 / $275.00 |
 | 703X | Rattlesnake with Eyes | Short barrels with wavy white bands trailed across deep cobalt blue (looks black) wound base; this scarcer variety with small yellow eyes. 13-14mm widths. Top condition, Samples shown. Per bead: $18.50; 703XL1) Selected example plus two "relatives" Lot: $65 | $18.50 |
 | 603 | Rat's Dung | Small, crude, roughly ellipsoid Dutch beads called Gajahkuro (Rat's dung) in Ghana, Aramissi in Nigeria. Wound manufacture, likely pre-1900. Strands: 603Y) Yellow, ±6-8x3-4mm, 22" strands $14.50 Each; 603W) White, ±6-7x3-3.5mm, some worn or coated with blue-green (in Africa?) $14.50 Each | $14.50 |
 | 604 | Rat's Dung / Rice: Red | Small, crude, roughly ellipsoid Dutch beads called Gajahkuro (Rat's dung) in Ghana, Aramissi in Nigeria, or Rice Beads. Reds of unknown origin: 604R) Bright red opaques, widths ±5-6mm, shape somewhat variable, found in Ghana trade, $9.00 / 22" strand | $9.00 / 13.50 |
 | 1206 | Bayon | Short barrels in cobalt blue, black & other colors, said by supplier to be called Baya in Gambia / Mali, and Bayon in Congo. Netherlands? Strands: 1206a $20; 1206b $15; 1206c $20; 1206e $13.50; 1206f $13.50 each; 1206k $10.00; 1206m $10.00; 1206p with bell $15 | $10.00+ |
| 1208 | Massai Blues | Plain, matte larger-than-seed reputedly traded to the Massai. Blues are Venetian. Widths about 5-5.5mm, 21-22" strands, great variety of shapes (advise if you have a preference). The blues are a particularly lovely shade. 1208B Pale blue, 1208K Black SOLD. Mix or match, $9 each, $8/3+ | $9.00 |
 | 529 | Fulane | Small cane-cut barrels in dark blue / purple. Some color variation - lighter blues through black - in some strands. 529B) ±3x3mm, 22-24" strands $3.00 529N) Barrels 3-4m wide. Dark to light purple variants as shown in scan. 22-24" strands $3.00 (or 2.50 each per 3 or more) | $3.00 - 5.00 |
 | 1130 | German Marble | Large, single: Clear with embedded multicolored swirled lines. Late 1800s, Lauscha, Germany. 1130a) Dark blue and pink swirls, over white core, 39.4mm. Several pits, one filled. | $350.00 |
 | 1132 | German Marble | Small, singles: Clear with embedded multicolored swirled lines. Late 1800s, Lauscha, Germany. Mostly 17-19mm. Much more affordable than the larger sizes. Most have wear & chips. Multiple interior cracks can make the design difficult to see, but one crack is not so bad. These are very stable; thrown against a brick wall I was unable to even chip a marble bead with multiple interior cracks. Showing two sides at 400%; white clay is to keep bead from rolling. Type-1: 1132B1 $95; 1132B4 $75; 1132B5 $75;; 1132B8 $65; 1132B10 $65; 1132B15 $55; 1132B16 $55; 1132B17 $55; 1132B25 $40; 1132B26 $40; Type-2 1132E1 $75; 1132E2 $75; 1132E3 $65; 1132E4 $65; 1132E6 $50; 1132E7 $50 Type-3 1132G1 $75; 1132G2 $75; 1132G4 $65 Other types: 1132J1 $95; 1132N1 $95; 1132Q1 $95; Lots: 1132L1 3 different $125; 1132L2 3 different $125 | $40.00+ |
| 511C | "Dig" Donuts | Ugly but exciting! Excavated from the Mali trade area around Djenn&eacuate;, these must be some of the earliest European trade beads in Africa, the original Amsterdam donut beads. Cobalt blue to black, but brilliant blue when held up to light, a few greens mixed in, and much thicker (±5-8mm lengths) than the laterl blue, clear, etc. donuts. Very rough! Singles: 511C) $2.50 each/3+, 2.00/10+, 1.35/50+; Strands: 511Ca 511Cb 511Cc 511Cd 28", $120 each | $2.50 / 120.00 |
 | 511B | Donut, Blue | Ca. 1860-97, Amsterdam. Crude wound bead with unusually wide holes, making them easy to string on any cord. Widths mostly 8-12mm. Some rough or chipped. Long 32" strands: 511Bc $39.50 each | $49.50 |
 | 511W | Donut, Clear | Ca. 1860-97, Amsterdam. Crude wound bead with unusually wide holes, making them easy to string on any cord. Widths mostly 8-12mm. Some rough or chipped. 511Wc 32", $39.50 each; 511Wf (30" $35) 511Wg (26" Mixed $28) 511Wh (24" Small $28) 511WL (15.5" Half strand $16.50) | $28.00+ |
 | 511K | Donut, Light Blue | Cane cut Sky-blue shades, traded into Nigeria. Strands: 511Ka Beads 9.5-11mm widths & tire-like, sky blue, 26" strand $135 511Kb Beads mostly 12-13mm widths & irregular thickness in medium blue, 26" string $135 | $135.00 |
 | 511Z | Donut: Modern | Faithful reproductions of the 19th Century Amsterdam beads with usual crude appearance. Colors: Clear, Pink, Brown, Gold, Green. Blue, Dark Blue. 21" Strands. $12.50 each if taking 3 or more strands. | $15.00 |
 | 914 | Plastic Amber | Necklace of mixed colors and shapes. Central bead resembles the typical oblate copal now considered antique in Africa. A lively discussion revealed the material "could" be 1920-30's German, but could also be modern Chinese! They show some wear, but not a lot. Strands: 914a 914b 914c 914d 914e Long 36", $65.00 each Lots: 914L1 914L2 914L3 914L4 914L5 $17.50 per lot | $65.00 |
 | 913 | Plastic Amber: Green | Round 14mm beads, possibly intended to mimic amber. They appear dark brown but when held to the light most have a light-green stripe in the center. Not as uniform as they look. Unknown where made, but found in Africa. Strands: 913a 26", $36.50 913b 26", broken $35 | $36.50 |
 | 679 | Agate Glass | Rough Shapes: Visually convincing glass imitations of caramel-colored carnelian agate, from Germany, traded into Mali and Senegal. Made over a long period of time. Singles: 10-12mm $1.00 each/3+, .75/10+ Strands: beads ±10-15mm, 30" strands 679a) 30"; 679b) 30"; 679d) 9-10mm, with strays, 28" $36.50 each | $1.00+ / 36.50 |
| 694 | Yellowjacket Chevron | Narrow five-layer tubulars with alternating yellow & black stripes. Possibly French (Francis Beads of the World p.65) or Venetian. Shown 300%. Take 20% discount for any 3+ single beads. Singles: Thick, ±10mm widths: 694B1 $40; 694B2 $35; 694B3 $35; Usual 7-8+mm widths, nice: 694E1 694E2 694E3 694E4 $33.50 each; Usual 7-8+mm widths, worn: 694G1 694G2 694G3 694G4 $25 each Four-sizes Sets: 694S1 694S2 $95/set | $25.00+ |
| 968 | Chevron Aja | Thin slices of five-layer "French" or Yellowjacket Chevrons. Long 28+" strands. Group 1: Mixed with regular Aja; beads between x's are chevrons. 968Mb 968Md $100 each Group 2: Mostly chevrons, noted "not" in photos by main groups that are regular aja beads. 968Na 968Nb 968Nc 968Nf $125.00 each | $100.00+ |
 | 233 | Talhakimt Pendant, Agate | European-made for export to Africa, lovely reddish translucent stone. I was able to pick fully intact (minor chips at most) pieces from a large lot at a great price. Lengths: B=62-67mm, D=80-87, F=90-98, H=99-110mm, K=Largest. Scans at 200%. 233B1 233B2 233B3 233B5 233B7 233B8 233B9 $16.50 each 233D1 233D3 233D4 233D5 233D14 233D15 $18.50 each 233F1 233F3 233F4 233H1 233H3 233H5 233H6 233H16 233H22 $22.50 each | 16.50 - 22.50 |
 | 234 | Talhakimt, Agate, Small | European-made for export to Africa? Tiny crude pieces acquired many years ago & forgotten. 21-28mm tall. Singles: 234d | Each: $17.50 |
| 1116 | Primitive European | These white / clear stones look like they came out of the ground at Djenné, but supplier tells me they are European made, traded to Mali. What next?! Widths around 11-14mm. 22-24" Strands: 1116a 1116b 1116c 1116d 1116e | $42.50 |
| 720 | "Togo Stone" Beads(?) | Possible imitations of the valued "Togo stones" used as money, beads, and amulets in Paleolithic times. They seem mimic the varied size and thickness, and the dished interiors & yellow color approximates the soil found on the stones. The glass is similar to what I've called proto-beads from Venice, but more translucent. Singles: 720S) Smaller: 17-19mm or thinner $2.50 each/3+; 720L) 19+mm, or thicker $3.50 each/3+ OK to mix | $2.50+ |
| NUEVA CADIZ The origins of this sophisticated bead are unknown but they date at least to the early 1500s and were primarily traded by the Spanish into South America. The oldest are three-layer drawn beads, rectangular with rounded corners, diameter 4-8mm and often long, up to 50mm, in various shades of blue. A later type, probably Bohemian, associated with 17th Century North American sites, is unlayered and dark blue. | ||||
 | 495 | Nueva Cadiz 2G | Second generation small, three-layer beads in green, light blue, or classic dark blue. These are recently cut by a bead-maker from valuable old canes acquired in the 1980's or earlier from the liquidated stock of a Murano firm. Rarely found on the market. Sample end view. Singles & lots: 495a $35; 495f Lot $125 | $35.00+ |
 | 612 | Colodonto | Flat-ended ellipsoids, typically 13-14mm wide x 14x16mm long with small holes. Traded to the Fulani. Inexpensive for such a large, colorful bead, but some colors have been scarce in the market lately. Strands: White: 612W) 24", 40 beads, $20 Each BLACK: 612B) 24", 40 beads, $16.50 Each; 612Ba) Exceptional condition, $30 Red: 612Ra) Variety in shapes, sizes, some strays, 26", $35; 612Rb) Cherry red, 24", $30; | $16.50+ |
 | 614 | Organic Lumpies | Unusual "ellipsoid lump" or ameboid shape, variable sizes and colors. The blacks are calledLela Kampe in Nigeria, referring to the blacker-than-black wing of the Kampe bird. Strands: 614Ua) Light blue, ±8mm widths, 22", $50; 614Va) Cobalt & others, ±7mm widths, 22", $60; 614Ba) Black, 30", ±9-11mm widths, $50; 614Bb) Black, 30", ±9-11mm widths, $50 | $50.00+ |
 | 677 | Coral Glass | Large European glass bead in coral color, with subtle swirl pattern, most 48-50mm long x 24mm wide. Lots: 677a Lot: $20; 677b Lot: $20; 677e chips, Lot $20; 677f Lot $27.50 ; Strands: 677n Ten huge pinks with 25mm widths, plus six likely African-made. From Nigeria $85 | $20.00+ |
 | 1124 | Crenelated | From a 1980s collection, gilded on one side and do not scan well, but when held to light they are tanslucent red, pink, amber, brown, clear, purple, gray & some solid blacks. Widths range 8.3-11mm, 34" strand. Africa Traders do not recognize, so I suspect European made for sale within Europe. | $95.00 |
 | 752 | Lemon Drops | Bright lemon-yellow bicones, ±7x5mm. 28" strands | $11.00 |
 | 588 | Sokingkode | Tbular translucent Red, some light, some dark. Called Sokingkode in Ghana. ±7-8x4mm, 24+" strands. | $11.00 |
 | 599 | Translucent Disks | Small annular beads with pleasing luminous colors. Mostly 8-9m wide, 4m long, 24" strands. Green, Blue (shown) or Red (smaller beads) | $11.00 |
 | 1056 | Rough Blueberries | Unusual eroded-looking surfaces on small 6-7mm dark blue rounds. Venice?? 22" Strand: 1056a | $40.00 |
| AFRICA: GLASS Old, New & Imitations | ||||
| Africans have made stone and shell beads since Neolithic times. The earliest glass trade beads probably came from India and the Islamic world, and are now excavated as "dig" beads. But Ghana was also a center of bead-making at the time of early European contact. More recently beads have been made from ground up glass, called "pop beads" after pop (soda) bottles. Fascinating new types, imitative or original, turn up all the time. An important new reference, African Beads, Jewels of a Continent by Evelyn Simak details the history of African bead-making. | ||||
 | 3050 | Bodom | Large fused-powder (wet-core) beads of egg-yolk yellow over a dark core with trail-like decorations in characteristic patterns. They are among the oldest, most valuable, and most mysterious of African beads. Probably originating in the Mali Empire, along the Niger River well before 1800 they traded to the Ashanti & Krobo, who now use the word for the most visible or pendant bead in a necklace. Singles: 3050a 3050b 3050c 3050d $225 each; 3050e $275 | $225.00+ |
 | 1060 | Old Kiffa | Ghana. Singles: 1060Ca) Flat $75; 1060Cb) Hemi-ellipsoid $125 | $75.00 - 125.00 |
 | 712 | Akoso | Barrels Originally status beads of the Kings & nobility of the Ewe (= Krobo?). Made of ground trade beads, such as King beads fused in clay moulds. Widths 9-11mm Strands: 712b 712g 712h 712j 32+" strands $65.50 each Widths 8-9mm. 28" Strands: 714a 714a 714b 714c 714d 28" strands $56.50 each | $56.50 / 64.50 |
 | 713 | Akoso | Mixed Shapes Originally status beads of the Kings & nobility of the Ewe (= Krobo?). Made of ground trade beads, such as King beads fused in clay moulds. Singles: 713Aa) Bicone 38x24mm $75 | $75.00+ |
 | 920 | Segi cut beads | From the Yoruba & Krobo of Togo, and Bidda of Nigeria, very crude beads cut from bottle glass, a now defunct African beadmaking style. See Simik, African Beads p. 129-131. Widths around 11-16mm. Strands from a 1980s collection: 920a) widths ±17-20mm, 36" strand, clears and greens $115; 920b) widths ±15-20mm, 32" strand, shades of green $85; 920c) widths ±6-15, 32" strand, lighter greens $55 | $55.00+ |
 | 822 | Akoso King | Eggyolk yellow bicones with lengthwise multicolor stripes. Made in Ghana, they imitate the popular yellow Venetian beads, which themselves may have been inspired by Bodoms. Some chipped specimens show the dark cores. Scans at 300%. Singles: 822a $50; 822e $40; 822g $30 | $30.00 - 50.00 |
 | 823 | Ghana King | Later Bodom variety, egg-yolk yellow over black core with crisscross King pattern. Roundish, mostly 15-17mm widths, 47 beads, plus Akoso & strays., 26" strand Not pretty, but apparently scarce due to difficult manufacturing process. | $175.00 |
| 949 | Eye Krobo | Yolk-yellow barrels, red eyes containing complex motes. Venetian imitating African beads. Africa Direct calls them "Lattachine" but I can't find a definition of this term. Usual size About 9-10 x 14-17mm barrels 26" strands: 949a 949b $47.50 each; Smaller eyes: 1980s longer 30" strand with a different type of eye pattern: 949d $65 | $47.50+ |
| 984 | Striped Yellow | Spiral stripes Yolk-yellow barrels with lengthwise or diagonal red & green stripes, similar to the native Akoso beads, traded into Ghana. Strands: 984b) 12-14mm widths, plus strays, 32" strand $100; 984c) Bright matte yellow, 10mm widths, short 18" strand $30 | $30.00+ |
| 894 | Striped Yellow | Cross Stripes Bright yellow barrels with green, red & white cross-stripes & squiggles. Venetian imitating African beads. About 10mm widths. Strands: 894a) Matte, Long 34" strand $85; 894b) Shiny, 24" strand $55 | $55.00+ |
| 948 | Pineapple, Yellow | Matte yellow-based with formalized version of Ghanian Krobo pattern. Supplier says called Awally in Ghana. When aged as these are, they look much like the African originals, but are much less expensive. Most 9.5-12mm Wide x 12-18mm lengths. Strands: 948a 27" $82.50; 948b 27" $82.50; 948f 22" $67.50; 948g 27" broken $67.50; 948h 26" $85.00; 948j 28" $75 | $67.00 - 82.00 |
| 1182 | Pineapple, Pink | Venetian bead with criss-cross patterns possibly inspired by Ghanian Krobos. Scans at 300%. Singles: Intact: Ends natural or slightly flattened from wear or filing: 1182h 1182m 1182n 1182p 1182q 1182g $30 each Filed ends: 1182Z) Bevelled to better fit a curved necklace, all nice condition, Samples shown $17.50 each, $15/3+ Varieties & Lots: 1182L2) $40; 1182L3) $20; 1182L4) $10 | $16.00+ |
| 1215 | Imitation Dutch Chevrons | An early imitation from Ghana or Togo, chalkboard appearance with white lines on black background. Now considered rare in Africa. Singles: $4.50 /1; $3.50 /3; $2.75 /10+; | $3.50 |
 | 885 | Bidda Beads | Probably meaning "Binda", a town with a long history of bead making. From bottle glass. Beads are a dark amber or light green, somewhat tulip shaped with narrow bottoms and a flaring, irregular top, about 6-8mm long, large holes, 26" strands. Attractive and unusual! | $18.50 |
 | 930 | Gige Beads | From Ghana, rough surface, semi-tanslucent beads given roundish shape by turning in moulds while cooling. Mostly 19-22mm wide, large holes, 24+" strands. Made since 1990s. See Simak, African Beads p.136. Order by COLOR: 930C) Clear; 930G) Light Green; 930H Darker Green; 930T) Light Blue; 930U) Medium Blue, 930V) Cobalt Blue; 930N) Whisky Brown. Please give second choice if possible. $13.00 per 24+" strand, $11.00/3+. | $13.00 |
 | 931 | Gige Beads: Large | From Ghana, rough surface, semi-tanslucent beads given roundish shape by turning in moulds while cooling. Mostly 30-31mm wide, large holes, 28+" strands. Made since 1990s. See Simak, African Beads p.136. Appear black, but light blue or green when held to light. 28-30 beads per strand. | $28.50 |
 | 878 | Earlier Gige? | Simak, African Beads, p.135-138 says that Gige beads, molded from bottle glass, were first made in the 1990s, but my supplier dates these to c. 1900-1920, northern Nigeria. Slightly translucent, rough-surfaced, dark caramel color, almost look black. ±17x35mm, big enough for pendants. Singles: 878) $7.50 each, $6.00/3+ | $7.50 |
 | 214 | King, Modern | Modern King beads from Ghana, where the originals were highly valued. I don't usually sell reproductions, but these are a legitimate local craft AND though pretty, they would not fool a collector. 27-28" Strand: 214y) Classic yellow (red is sold) | $25.00 |
 | 676 | Yoruba Coral | Older (1950s-80s?) "pop" glass imitations of Mediteranean coral beads, "called Ateyun or Iyun" (Simak p.155). Range of shapes and sizes. 26" Strands: 676a 676c 676d 676e 676f, $24.50 each; 676L1) Loose, older, wound(?!)-looking, $20/Lot | $24.50 |
 | 682 | Sand Cast: Stripes | Sand-cast or "pop bottle" beads made of powdered glass, said to imitate Venetian "gas" beads. Used beads with some age. A) Large beads, 9-12mm widths, rough but shiny surface, 28" strands SOLD ; B) Large beads, Matte (tumbled) surface, 22" $10; C) Medium beads, 7-10mm, Matte surface, 20-22" strands SOLD; E) Smaller beads, 7-9mm, mostly bright surface, 25-29" strands $11. F) Smaller beads, matte, 22" $9.50; Discount for any mixture of #682-685 varieties: 3/20%; 5/30%; 10/40%; 20/50%. Photo shows Samples only; yours will be similar but not exact. | $9.50 - 12.50 |
 | 683 | Sand Cast: Akoso types | Sand-cast or "pop bottle" beads made of powdered glass, apparently imitating the old sand-casts of the Ewe. Used beads with some age. A) "Akoso type" beads, Much variety, but oranges predominate. Bead widths 6-10mm. Strands 22". $10; C) Banded beads, much variety but white & blue predominate. Beads 8-10mm. Strands 24-28" $11 ; Discount for any mixture of #682-685 varieties: 3/20%; 5/30%; 10/40%; 20/50%. Photo shows Samples only; yours will be similar but not exact. | $10.00 - 11.00 |
 | 684 | Sand Cast: Mixed | Sand-cast or "pop bottle" beads made of powdered glass, said to imitate Venetian types. Used beads with some age. Much variety, with solids, stripes, patterns, etc. A) Long Strands 36+" $14 Each ; C) Short strands 22+" $9 Each ; Discount for any mixture of #682-685 varieties: 3/20%; 5/30%; 10/40%; 20/50%. Photo shows Samples only; yours will be similar but not exact. | $9.00 - 14.00 |
 | 685U | Sand Cast: Solid Blue | Sand-cast or "pop bottle" beads made of powdered glass, Rather uniform 5mm wide by 4-6mm long, 28" strands $4.85 (Ask for special rate per 25 strands). Discount for any mixture of #682-685 varieties: 3/20%; 5/30%; 10/40%; 20/50%. Photo shows Samples only; yours will be similar but not exact. | $4.85 |
 | 689 | Sand Cast: Mixed picks | Ghana: Sand-cast or "pop bottle" beads made of powdered glass. These strands mix the older 1970s-90's matte imitations of Akoso and Venetian types with a few shiny, novel types of the 2010's. Your choice $11 each, or $9.50 each per 3 or more, 24+" strands: 689a 689b 689c 689d 689g 689h 689j 689k 689m 689n 689p 689q All alikes: 689Va 689Vb 689Vc | $9.50-11.00 |
| 682Z | Sand Cast: Bulk | Sand-cast or "pop bottle" beads made of powdered glass, generally imitating Venetian or old Akoso beads. Hank of 40 unpicked strands as they come from Africa. Strands 22" include all #682-684 varieties. | $150.00 |
 | 986 | Better "pop" Strands | The $10-12 strands of new-looking "pop bottle" beads are drying up. These are older, used-looking, or better-made strands: 986a 986b 986c | $15.00 |
| 660 | Ghana Pop Mix | Necklaces of modern Ghana types and older trade beads. Every one different. At this price, showing just a couple of samples. Single 24" necklace: | $15.00 |
 | 795 | Ghana Millefioris | Multicolor discs ±4x13mm resembling Millefiori or end-of-day beads. I love the look, but want to stock only older beads, so offering these at cost. 26" strands, all very much alike. | $15.00 |
 | 824 | Pop Chevrons | Cartoonish Chevron pattern (no layers) on vivid purple base with trailed white & red. Barrel: most 15-16mm Long x 8mm wide, wide holes. Made in 1970s according. to a knowledgeable supplier. Clearance at cost. 26" strands. | $10.00 |
 | 1004 | African Fancies | From Ghana, round glass in rough rounds, with white & multicolor trailings echoing designs such as eye, chevron stripe and fancy types. Shiny to matte, wide variety of designs. Mostly 9-10mm with large holes. ±11mm wide, 24" strands | $18.50 |
 | 1006 | African Eye Beads | Ghana, shiny milk-white crudely oblates with bold purple-in-brown eyes. Large 13-16mm, 26" strands. | $18.50 |
 | 1008 | Modern Ghana Lot | Lot of eight 24-26" strands smaller beads, all different, some unusual shapes. | $49.00 |
 | 1000 | Layered Roughs | From Gambia, typical matte surfaces of "pop bottle" beads in dark colors with some translucency. Held to the light, there are irregular bands of translucent & dark within each bead; over-bright scan to show this. Widths ±5mm, 22" strands. Set of Red, Purple, Brown $22.50; Purple or Brown, each $13.50 | $13.50 |
| AFRICAN METAL Old & New | ||||
| Africa is a major source of metal beads, as metals are thought to have spiritual powers and blacksmiths enjoyed an elevated status. The oldest beads would have been of soft precious metals, and iron, followed by copper alloys and, by the 11th century, true brass. Many complex, individual sytles of brass beads exist. The Munshi and Dorome beads had true status as money. Aluminum and silver were both valued for their color. | ||||
 | 1066 | Verre Waist-belt | Verre People, northern Nigeria, womens' belt worn with the heavy gorget in the small of the back. One researcher attributes them to mid 20th Century as an expression of cultural identity in the face of assimilation. They are usually marketed under the more glamorous attribution of Yoruba village chief's badge of office. These were scarce on the market until around 2014 and seem to be drying up again. Belts: 1066e) Gorget ±120mm (5.25") across, 16.5" circumference, plus 32 large, plain brass beads, and 2 small iron, all well-made and showing age. Small casting flaw. $400 1066b) Gorget about 95mm (3.75") across, 13" circumference, plus 32 large brass beads, patterned or plain, $500 1066c) Gorget about 90mm (3.5"), 12.25" circumference across plus 34 large brass beads, patterned or plain, $500 1066d) Gorget about 120mm (4.75"), 16" circumference across plus 30 large brass beads, patterned or plain, $600 | $400-600 |
 | 969 | Fulani Pendant Beads | Large hollow bronze beads with cosmos designs. Supplier says necklace of 24 was worn by village chiefs. Obvious age; item 854 below is a modern (inferior) copy. Scans at 300%. Singles & Lots: 969S2, $20; 969S3, $17.50; 969S4, $13.50; 969L2 2 large $45.00; 969L3 2 pieces, $37.50; 969L4 2 matched, $27.50; 969L5 4 different, $65; 969L7 3 poorer, $29.50; Strands: 969a $325 | $13.50 - 325.00 |
 | 854 | Fulani Openwork Brass | Larger Hollow, open-worked brass beads with Cosmos design, polished. Rounds are 32-35mm, triangles are 52mm tall. Large enough to use as pendants. Fulani ofIvory Coast Strands: 854c 28mm, 21 beads, $55; 854e 34mm, 20 beads, $655; 854p 55x40mm triangular, 15 beads, $65 | $55.00+ |
 | 855 | Fulani Openwork Beads | Smaller Hollow, open-worked brass beads with Cosmos design. 20-21mm Fulani of Ivory Coast Strands: | $27.50 |
 | 223 | Munshi Beads | The Tiv (a.k.a. Munshi) tribe of Shima, northern Nigeria used looped brass beads of average 12mm imitating a seed, valued at 1/4 silver Dirhem of the Mediterranean caliphates. In 1968 Johanssen Nigerian Currencies considered them rare. See Opitz p.41, Quiggin A Survey of Primitive Money, p.60 fig.9, Johansson, Nigerian Currencies #50, 54, supl14 #65, Der Primitivgeldsammler, 1987/3. Simak, African Beads p. 112,118 "Igbo bugs" documents their use as fertility charms. Singles $2.50; Three varied $6.00; 12 / $17.50 Strands: 223e Long 28" strand, about 400 beads, $300 | $2.50 / 300.00 |
 | 224 | Moulay Beads | Derived from older Munshi beads of the Tiv, but used farther south. Varieties: a) Basic; c) Larger; e) Larger & rounder; v) a filed down; x) crude, likely modern. 224S) Set of two each variety, 3 each of Munshi and a variant Seed-type bead (16 total) $18.50 Singles: 224e) Large, round, well-made, moderate wear. From a unique strand purchased years ago $2/bead, minimum 5; 224M Mixed a, v, and a few c as they normally come in strands: $10 / 10+, $20 / 25+ | $18.50 / 135.00 |
 | 926 | Moulay Beads, New | Famous seed-imitating monetary bead of the Tiv (a.k.a. Munshi) tribe of Shima, northern Nigeria, valued at 1/4 silver Dirham during the 17-18th Century & later used as fertility charms. Old, worn beads are scarce. These are varied and well made, but casting roughness shows them to be new. 20" Strand. | $50.00 |
 | 810 | Natural Moulay Necklaces | As-found(?) necklaces worn by Fulani and Kambari women in Niger State, Nigeria, ca early 1800s. African-made brass Moulay beads alternate with (usually) red European beads. Most beads out of Africa are "processed" from natural necklaces into all-alike strands, so finding necklaces as they were actually worn is unusual. Each is diferent. Necklaces: 810e 20", flatter beads, $53.50; 810c 22", $59.50; 810d 20", flatter beads, $53.50 | $53.50+ |
 | 225 | Seed-derived Bead | From Nigeria, a derivative of the old Munshi and Moulay beads that served as currency and fertility charms. First I've seen of these nicely made variants - probably mid 20th c. from the patina and light verdigris. Singles: 3 beads $5.00; $1.25 ea / 12+; Strand: 225a ±260 pieces plus ±70 Munshi, 28", $250 | $5.00 / 250 |
 | 1165 | Old Brass rounds | From a 1980s collection, types I have not seen in trade: 1165b) Roughly-cast brass, 9-10mm, 22" strand $45 | $45.00 | 5.00 | -->
 | 852 | Braid Gatherers | Tubular brass with complex designs, almost no two alike, typically 36x15mm. Used for holding and decorating hair braids. Kambari people, Niger State of Nigeria. Strung on cloth. Singles/Lots: at 300% 852L1 $15; 852L3 $15; 852L4 $25; 852L5 $30; 852L6 $40; 852L7 $20; | $15.00 |
 | 863 | Fulani Hairpieces | Braid-gather coils of aluminum and copper. Mostly well worn. Hausa and Fulani peoples of Nigeria. Strung on old cloth, apparently worn as a belt or sash. Combination of yellow and white metals was thought to ward off illness. Strand: 863a) 31 wire coils, 30x22mm, aluminum & copper | $75.00 |
 | 702 | Brass Bicones, old | Fulani, Nigeria: Quite variable crude beads, mostly 8-12mm wide & long, uncleaned. Perhaps as-worn necklaces, some with bells / pendants. Hard to find now. Strands: 702a) Beads, 26" strand $50 ; 702c) Beads, 26" strand $50 702d) Beads, large bells, 30" strand $70 ; 702e) Beads (some iron), bells, pendants 24" strand $60 | $50.00 - 70.00 |
 | 722 | Brass Bicone | Ethiopia: Roughly cast long bicones. Probably 1960s-70s, look cleaned. Large holes. Lengths 11-18mm, widths 9-14mm, ask for larger or smaller if you prefer. A good value for metal beads with some age & character. Sample 22" strands shown.; (Special: $13.50 each per 3+ strands) | $17.50 |
 | 789 | Baule Brass Daisy | Old beads of unusual shape, they remind me of a daisy. 300+ on a long strand. 789A) Small 11-12mm, 9-10 "petals" Strands: 16" 789Sa 789Sb $100 each; Strands: 15" 789Sc 789Sd $95 each 789L) Large 14mm beads, usually 10 "petals" Singles: 1.00 each/3+, .70 each/10+; Full strand: INQUIRE | $1.00 / 135.00 |
 | 858 | Baule Brass Openwork | Newly made with bead spacers, wearable as necklace, or use as pendants. 30" Strands: 858a) Round, 24mm, 20/strand, wheat-grain pattern; 858b) Ellipsoid, 30mm, 17/strand, wheat-grain pattern; 858c) Roundish, 30mm, 17/strand, rope design, two types. Each: | $34.50 |
 | 847 | Baule Brass Textured | Round, hollow brass beads with lovely basket-weave (or other) pattern from the Baule people of eastern Nigeria. Large holes. Singles: 847) 12.5-15mm width beads in basket-weave pattern: $2.50/ Each, $1.75/ 5+; 22" Strands: Graduated, beads range 12-16mm 847c 847d 847f $47.50 each | $2.50 / 47.50 |
 | 1100 | Fancy Brass Footballs | Ridged brass bicones (±27x18mm), with alternating straight and wavy lateral lines. Probably modern, but supplier had no info on origin. 22" strands. | $34.00 |
 | 1030 | Big "Top" Necklace | Hand-crafted large hollow bicones (37-41x29-32mm) with alternating rings of copper and brass, simple stippled decoration, much like an old fashioned "spinning top" toy. Shows wear. Green vaseline spacers. | $125.00 |
 | 896 | Yoruba Gilded Necklaces | Complex multi-strand chains, clasps, and fancy pendants in bright brass, simulating gold. Much more crafted than most African metal-work, and no two alike. Hanging length given in each photo. Available: 896a 896f 896c 896d 896e | $35.00 |
 | 897 | Yoruba Metal Necklaces | Highly variable assemblies of tubes, rounds, beads, etc. No two similar. Much more crafted than most African metal-work. Hanging length given in each photo. Available: 897a $30.00; 897g $25.00; 897h $25.00; 897j $25.00; 897e $22.50; 897k $25.00 | $20.00 - 30.00 |
 | 645B | Brass Donuts | From Niger,a rough-surfaced cast beads with large central holes. Beads 3mm long x 9mm wide, average 160/strand. Probably have some age, but hard to tell as always found scrubbed clean. Price Reduction & quantity pricing: $40.00 each, $30/3+, $27.50/10+ | $27.50 - 40.00 |
 | 645r | Brass Rounds | Nigeria, rough-surfaced, cherry-sized cast beads with large central holes. Widths range ±15.5-21mm with 27-32 beads per 22" strand - state preference if you wish. | $55.00 |
 | 1034 | Big Bells & Bones Necklace | Large, old well-worn brass bells with dyed(?) brown reptile(?) bone spacers. About half have clappers, and bells clang together to produce a lovely sound. Necklaces: 1034a) "Liberty" bell shape, widths & lengths 34-45mm, high tinkling sound ; 1034b) Cosmos design, larger than usual, widths 24-32mm; midrange "cowbell" tone. | $100.00 |
 | 839 | Fulani Cosmos Bells | (Fulani or Yoruba ) Small bells with spiral Cosmos design and large loops, some with stones inside, densely packed. Mixed sizes 6-16mm, average 125+ bells per strand. Some worn or patinated, some miscast. Because each is so different, we have priced by weight. 24" Strands: 839c 490gm, $105; 839e 569gm, $120; 839g 461gm, $100; 839h 540gm, $115 | $100.00+ |
 | 2179 | Cosmos Bells, Larger | Single: Larger bells, often strung with beads. Fulani (Yoruba?), West Africa. Cosmos design with loop & stone clapper. Crudely made, but lumps & holes don't seem to affect the jingle. Most 15-20mm wide. Samples shown 150%. Your choice of: 2179A) Little or no wear, some light verdigris; 2179B) Moderate wear, or 2179C) Heavy wear or smooth (still good tone) $4.50 each, $3.50 each /3+ any mix. Lots Damaged or worn 2179L1) $17.50; 2179L2) $12 | $3.50 / 4.50 |
 | 2180 | Igbo Bells | Bells of conventional shape, with loop, brass. Supplier calls them Igbo (Nigeria) dancing bells. Singles 2180A1) $10; Bulk Igbo Bells 2180b) Large hank of about 120 Igbo dancing bells, brass, mid 20th c.?, mostly 24-30mm high x 25-30mm wide, some with clappers, side view, $300 | $10 / 300 |
 | 2181 | West African Bells | Miscellaneous types Larger Brass bells, often worn with beads. With clappers unless noted. Shown at 200%. Singles: 2181b $10; 2181c $12.50; 2181d $10; 2181g $8; 2181h $6; 2181k $12/Lot ; 2181L $40 | $6.00+ |
 | 226 | Dorome Rings | Cast brass ring used as fare tokens for donkey carts, Dorome Tribe, Nigeria. According to Dillingham (D26#28) the drivers turned them in to the chiefs, who held the concession, and were paid in bracelets. Thus an ethnographic token rather than an ethnographic money, and possibly unique as such? Rings joined together by a leather strip forming a belt served as a badge of office for the cart drivers. From a large purchase I sorted out varieties. Singles 226a) Stippled Cross-hatching produces tiny raised diamonds on top surface. Largest, heaviest, best made variety, usually unworn, so perhaps most modern. Avg. 16.5gm, most 28-31mm $5.50 226c) Patterned Mixed stipples and oblique cuts, a pattern seen on some bracelets. Some casting roughness & wear. Avg. 12.75gm, most 25.5-30mm $5.00 226e) Hatched Simple oblique cuts. Thinner, lighter & often well-worn, possibly oldest variety. Avg. 9.25gm, most 27-31mm $5.00 226ce) Worn Well-worn examples of Patterned and Hatched varieties, y;our choice. $4.00 226h) Plain Generally smaller than the patterned types & usually worn-looking. Some showing casting roughness. Possibly the oldest? $4.00 226n) Ridged Undecorated with pointed top & wide sides. Never found on the belts, so possibly not Dorome, but similar casting technique. Avg. 13gm, most 29-33mm $ 6.50 226s) Mini-collection One each of a, c, e, ce, n & r, and 2 different of h (8 pcs.) $34.50 Quantity: Types c, ce & h $3.00 ea./10, $2.50 ea./25+, others a bit more. | $3.50 - $100 |
 | 226 | Dorome Belts | Cast brass rings used as fare tokens for donkey carts, Dorome Tribe, Nigeria. According to Dillingham (D26#28) the drivers turned them in to the chiefs, who held the concession, and were paid in bracelets. Rings joined together by a leather strip forming a belt served as a badge of office for the cart drivers. Belts: About 40 pieces 226Aa 226Ab 226Ac 226Ad $80 each; Long Belts: 80+ rings: 226Ra $165 | $80.00+ |
 | 1018 | Bidda Wire Coils | Nigeria. Iron wire wound in 18-19mm flexible coils, 3.3mm width, bright red bead spacers. Newly made. 23" strands, samples shown. ($12 each per 3+) | $16.50 |
 | 743 | Cosmology Beads | Baule. Ivory Coast: Modern necklaces with modern brass charms & bead spacers: 743a) Round 20x11mm, 28" strand; 743d) Round 36x24mm, 32" strand; 743r) 3Cosmos 22x17mm, 23" strand no spacers; 743q) 3Cosmos 15x11mm, 32" strand; 743p) 3Cosmos 15x11mm, 26" strand. Your choice or mix: $17.50 Each / 3+, or | $20.00 |
 | 743Z | Baule Cosmology Pendants | Strung necklaces, possibly as-worn, with 10 different brass charms spaced with beads. Each charm 65x50mm. Newly made. 30" strands, sample shown. | $36.50 |
 | 837 | Asanti Charm Beads | Newly made brass charm beads of various designs. Fair casting quality. Measurements in scan are (approximate) length x width / # per 20-24" strand. All have good-sized holes. Quantities are limited of some types. ("M" is Sold out) OK to mix types for quantity discounts: $15.00 / strand, $12 / 3+, $10 / 10+ Per 10: | $15.00 |
 | 828 | Hand-crimped metal | Hand-made (crimped with seam, not cast) beads made in 1950s, Ethiopia. They have been shined up, but will retone. 828C) Coppers Bicones ±6x6mm, about 130/34" strand; 828B) Brass Bicones ±7x7mm, about 105/30" strand ($8 each/5+); 828T) Brass Tubes ±5x7.5mm, about 100/32" strand. Per 32" Strand: | $10.00 |
 | 841 | Antiqued Brass: Large | Newly-made beads in various styles. From India, traded to Ethiopia. 28-30" strands. OK to mix all for quantity discounts: $18 / Strand, $14/3 + | $18.00 |
 | 842 | Antiqued Brass: Small | Newly-made beads in various styles. From India, traded to Ethiopia. OK to mix types for quantity discounts. Measurements in scan are (approximate) length x width / # per strand. All have good-sized holes. OK to mix types for quantity discounts: $11.00 /strand, $8 / 3+ | $11.00 |
 | 830 | Ethiopia "Silver" Beads | Descended from silver originals, from melted Maria Teresa Thalers, these may be restrung Musbaha beads (Islamic prayer beads) or of more general use. Strands: 830n) Older copper-nickel sheet metal probably from melted coins, seamed and end-crimped creating variety in size and shape, called Ankltnef $18.50 or $15 ea./3+ 830a) more modern and regular silver(?) wash over brass cores 5x5mm, about 90 on short 17" strand $8.50 830b) Larger 7-8x7-8mm on long 30" strand $15, or $10 ea./3+ 830s) SET of 830a, 830b, two 830n chosen for different size beads, plus five single beads in pure magnetic nickel (much scarcer) $52.50 | $8.50 - 52.50 |
 | 830R | Ethiopia Silver bicones | Crafted hollow bicones of low-grade (perhaps .500?) silver, about 7mm wide by 8.5mm long. Long 48" strand from 1980s collection. Tarnished. | $65.00 |
 | 1272 | Ethiopia Silver Tube Necklace | Seamed bicone tubes (±16x5mm) of "coin silver" strung as necklace with pendant bead (±42x5mm) & dyed cloth tassles. a.k.a. Mala. Fineness uncertain but better than most Ethiopian objects. Age unknown but not current. Hand made, but all very similar so showing two 36" sample strands | $65.00 |
 | 1274 | Ethiopian Prayer Beads | Made by Ethiopian silversmiths and called Musbaha. Hollow, silver-plated (or white metal) beads (66-68) with endpiece and colorful yarn tassels. Newly made versions of older silver beads. Wearable, but should be restrung on better cord. 42" strands. ($9 ea. per 3+) | $11.50 |
 | 1189 | Fancy Silvers | Fancy, hollow, seamed white-metal (probably plated copper) necklaces, not very heavy. Supplier says found in Ethiopia but could be from Yemen. Probably new, but hand-made & antiqued. Strands: Melon shape: 1189M Beads ±7.5x12mm, wide holes; Ellipsoids: 1189E) Beads ±15x11mm, detailed patterns, smaller holes | $55.00 |
 | 924 | Tuareg Tubular Beads | Called "Azimamai", made of nickel-brass, with seam along length, large center holes, about 38-42mm long, 32" strands. Metal content is varied to produce either 924y) Yellow (brassy); or 924s) Silvery nickel. Your choice | $26.50 |
 | 644 | Nigeria Iron | Smaller Iron in any form was considered money In Africa, and wearing it was supposed to have curative properties. It would have been kept polished; these strands mostly dull. Bead widths ±4-7mm, usually over 100 per 22" strand. Note size relative to penny. Single Strands: 644a 644b 644c 644d 644e 644f 644g 644h 644j 644k $29.50 each; Bulk Strands: 644 Save me the time of photography, $22.50 each/3+, same quality as single strands shown. | $22.50 / 29.50 |
 | 643 | Nigera Iron | Medium Bead widths ±6-9mm, each strand different. Note size relative to penny. Strands: 643Aa 22", 6-9mm bicones $33.50; 643Ab 22", 6-9mm bicones $33.50; 643Ea 30", 8-9+mm, Mixed shapes, $55; 643Eb 24", 8-9+mm, Mixed shapes, $45.00; 643Ha 27", 10-13+mm, Disks, $65.00; 643Hb 27", 10-13+mm, Disks, $65.00; Huge Strand: 643Ma 48", Graduated strand of 18-20mm widths, large center holes, weighs 51oz!, $300 | $33.50+ |
 | 741 | Aluminum Squares | In the late 19th Cent. before a cheap extraction process was invented, aluminum was as or more valuable than silver. These look like tarnished silver and may have been worn by Ethiopians as a light-weight substitute. Africans generally ascribe healing properties to metals based on color, and examples of currency objects and bracelets of forms known normally in copper occasionally turn up in well worn aluminum. Bead size ranges 5-7mm square. Strands are a mix of sharply squared or worn/rounded beads. Single 22" strands, $16.50; 12.0/3+; 9.50/10+ | $16.50 |
 | 982 | Aluminum bicone | Ethiopia. Bicones, some faceted, widths 14-17mm, 28" strands. Much larger and scarcer than the small squarish aluminum beads. | $100.00 |
 | 2190 | Ethiopia Rings | Traditional nickel-brass rings in a variety of sizes, some with a bit of punched decoration. One seller calls similar items Wollo, northern Ethiopia. To order: 2190A My choice No photos, but you may specify ring size for singles. Each: $13.50; $12 / 3; $9 / 10; ASK / more; 2190Y Your choice Let me know your ring size, maximum / minimum size for inner hole, or outer dimensions, brassy or silvery, well-worn or sharp, or let me know which ones you like and why and I will send a scan of several to choose from. $17.50 | $17.50 |
 | 867 | "Ring" Beads | Modern, hand-made metal beads imitating a traditional finger ring often worn as a necklace pendant. Bicone shape, some size variation. Prices per-bead. b) Brass, range 17-22mm, $3 each, $2.50/3, $1.75/10+; n) Nickel, about 19-20mm $2 each, $1.50/3, $1.00/10+ | $2.00+ |
 | 615 | Hishi: Brass | Small loops of drawn brass wire ("hishi, heishi") crimped by hand. Modern; used as spacers in jewelry. 3.5mm wide, 22" strands. | $12.00 |
 | 524 | Hishi: Copper | From Kenya, small loops of drawn copper wire ("hishi, heishi") crimped by hand. Modern; used as spacers in jewelry. Strands: 524S) ±2.9mm width brighter copper, short 16" strands, 524L) ±4.2mm width toned copper, short 16" strands. Your choice or mix: $4.50 each Per 10; $5.50 each per 3. Single 16" strand: | $7.00 |
 | 523 | Hishi: Silver | From Ethiopia, small loops of drawn wire (hishi, heishi) made from nickel-silver. Locally called "talari" from the Maria Theresa Taler, an .855 fine silver coin favored in Arabia and northern Africa (origin of the word "Dollar"). These modern strands are still hand-crafted, but are now made of silver alloyed with nickel. Strands: 523f) Fine style, ±3mm widths, 28" strand, ±19gm; 523w) Wide style, ±4mm widths, 31-34" strand, ±34gm (presumably lower fineness); 523b) Barrel style, ±3x2.5mm, 32" strand, ±20gm, $12.50/strand, or $10/3+ | $12.50 |
| AFRICAN STONE BEADS | ||||
| See Indian Beads for Agate and Carnelian made in Cambay and traded since ancient times into west Africa, and Europe for white stone fashioned in Idar-Oberstein, Germany. Listed here are mostly African-made, including what the traders call "dig beads" (excavated) strands, which may have some roughened glass beads mixed in. European glass imitations of stone beads are here also. | ||||
| 480 | Amazonite Roughs | Historically worn as amulets across northern Africa, before and including classical Egypt, these beads & pendants are today found from Morocco to Nigeria. Holed with stone drills, the flat (edgewise) beads were difficult to make. Finished tourquoise greens are the most valued; these are older, unpolished beads. Photos 300%. Price is for all beads in the photo. LOTS: Flats: 480Ba; 480Bb; 480Bc $45/Lot; Colors: 480Ca $75; 480Cb $45, Shapes: 480Da; 480Db; 480Dc $35 each; Bigs & Smalls: (Two views for each lot) 480Ea $40; 480Eb $35; 480Ec $30; 480Ed $25; 480Ef $35 | $20.00 - 60.00 |
| 482 | Serpentine, bicones | Dark Green to gray stone worked into bicone shape and drilled with primitive stone drills. Less expensive than the rougher, lighter green and varied colored Amazonite beads. LOTS: Matched pairs of gray, suitable for necklaces: 482Ad; 482Ae; 482Ac$19.50 / Pair ; Three Different in size, shape, color: 482Ba; 482Bb; 482Bc; $29.50 / Set; 482L1 Lot of 3: $35 | $11.00+ |
| 1172 | Large Neolithic | Mali/Sahel; Rough, mainly large beads of varying stone types, with funnel-shape pecked holes. Advise if you are interested in single stones, as I may break up. Strands: 1172a) 40", 1.87 kilo (66 oz). Largest bead 60x38mm, 180gm. 1172a-backs Price: $500; 1172b) 32", .67 kilo (24 oz), largest bead 31x48mm 1172b-backs Price: $300 | $300.00+ |
| 263 | Togo Stone | Neolithhic. White quartz disc with pecked funnel holes hole, coated with reddish earth, wide range of sizes. Was their original use beads, or bases for bow & drill fire starting? Quiggin Survey of Primitive Money and others reference them as money. The Akhan & nearby tribes would find them exposed after heavy rains, and called them thunderstones, believing they had come from the sky and had healing properties. The smaller size (10-30mm) are found in Mauritania and are called "biscuit beads." "TOGO" (large) about 35-50m, 33-80gm Singles: 263) $14.50 each; 3 for $37.50; Strand: 263a) $225.00 "MAURITANIA" (small) range about 9-27mm Singles: 263D) $5.00 for a larger specimen, or $4 / 3+ mixed sizes; Strand: 263Da) $90 HUGE ±70-80mm across, over 200gm This size I can see being foot-gripped & drilled, spark falling through the hole to tinder below - truly a valuable and trade-worthy object. Singles: 263La 263Lb 263Lc 263Ld $50 each; 263Lm 90mm, 384gm $100 | $14.50 / 225.00 |
| 817 | Mali Stone | Ancient(?) Quartz, chipped & drilled, similar to the "Togo stone" but much rougher. Three groups / strands purchased: 817A Uniform 17-19mm with orange soil $3.50 / bead; 817E Quartz often has some red veining, chipped with narrower ridges, range 15-30mm $4 for larger example, or $3.00 each per 3+ mixed sizes; 817Ea Full 28" strand $90 817H Translucent quartz, very roughly chipped, mostly 35-45mm $11.00 for larger example, or $8.50 each per 3+ mixed sizes 817S Set of five showing range of sizes within each group $22.50 | $3.00+ |
| 720 | "Togo Stone" Beads(?) | Possible imitations of the valued "Togo stones" used as money, beads, and amulets in Paleolithic times. They seem mimic the varied size and thickness, and the dished interiors & yellow color approximates the soil found on the stones. The glass is similar to what I've called proto-beads from Venice, but more translucent. Singles: 720S) Smaller: 17-19mm or thinner $2.50 each/3+; 720L) 19+mm, or thicker $3.50 each/3+ OK to mix | $2.50+ |
| 1116 | European Deceivers | These white / clear stones look like they came out of the ground at Djenn&eacuate;, but supplier tells me they are European made, traded to Mali. What next?! Widths around 11-14mm. 22-24" strands: 1116a 1116b 1116c 1116d 1116e | $42.50 |
| 868 | Ancient Fossil beads | Cut segments of a long extinct tubular sea-bottom animal form, soapy gray rock having replaced the animal tissues. Beads are over 1000 years old according to supplier, the outside segmentation worn, but showing very sharply on interiors. Range 12-28mm wide x 8-15mm long, very wide (natural) holes Singles:, mixed sizes: $2.75 each, $2.00/3, $1.50/10+ | 2.75 |
| 906 | Fossil Sand Dollar | Chalky white with fluted edges and stipple patterns, fossilized sand dollar drilled as bead. Excavated in Mali. Supplier says about 2000 years old. Singles: $3.50 Each, or $2.50 Each/3+ | $3.50 |
| 908 | Large Old Granite | Ancient granite beads excavated near modern city of Maiduguri in Nigeria. Strands: 908a 12 beads $175; 908b 27 beads $350 | $175.00+ |
| 870 | Ancient Granite | From Burkina Faso, crude gray discs with soil adhesions from burial. Mostly 10-13mm wide. Age unknown, but primitively made; holes irregular but not pecked. Usually excavated beads are expensive, but I guess "ugly" lowers the asking price! Singles: $1.25 each/3+, .75/10+; Strands: 22" 870e $32.50 each | $1.25 / 32.50 |
| 736 | Dogon Granite, Larger | Widths ±10-25mm Great mixture of granite & gneiss beads excavated at Djenné. Simak p.80-81 says 13-16th century but still made with traditional techniques; supplier says 1600-1700s. Rough to semi-polished. Each necklace has quite different shapes, sizes, patterns. 25" Strands: 736d $135; 736f) $135; 736h) $135; 736j) $135; 736k) $150; Discount: Mix or match all Dogon granite: 15% /3+ 879, 882, 736 & 735. | $135.00+ |
| 882 | Dogon Granite, Medium | Widths ±4-15mm Great mixture of granite & gneiss beads excavated at Djenné. Simak p.80-81 says 13-16th century but still made with traditional techniques; supplier says 1600-1700s. Rough to semi-polished. Each necklace has quite different shapes, sizes, patterns. 26-28" Strands: 882a 882b 882c 882d 882e 882f 882g $95 each; Smaller Beads: 882j 882k $75 each; Discount: Mix or match all Dogon granite: 15% /3+ 879, 882, 736 & 735. | $75.00+ |
| 879 | Dogon Granite, Smaller | Widths ±4-10mm or rough Smaller (or rougher) granite & gneiss beads excavated at Djenné. Each necklace has quite different shapes, sizes, patterns. 24" Strands: 879a 879c 879e $50 each; Discount: Mix or match all Dogon granite: 15% /3+ 879, 882, 736 & 735. | 50.00 |
| 735 | Dogon Granite | Matched/Uniform Strands from a 1980s collection, beads mostly ellipsoids, black-&-white granite, similar sizes, differently from how they are strung today. Priced by strand length & average bead size. Medium Beads: 735Aa $75; 735Ab $55; 735Ac $55 735Ad $65; 735Ae $80; 735Af $80; 735Ag $75; Smaller Beads: 735Ba 735Bb 735B.c $45 each; Discount: Mix or match all Dogon granite: 15% /3+ 879, 882, 736 & 735. | $45.00+ |
 | 881 | Dogon Granite, Modern | Simak p.80-81 notes that Dogon granite beads poplar in the 16th Century continue to be made today by traditional methods. Short, fairly uniform barrels of white-flecked gray granite with rougher surfaces than the skin-smoothed excavated beads. 6.25-7.5mm widths. All strands similar, sample shown, 25". $30 each, $25/3+. | $30.00 |
 | 869 | Modern Granite | From Ghana, modern beads of black and white granite with a slight greenish hue. Beads 15-16mm wide x 8-11mm long, about 80 per 30" strand. All strands very similar. | $30.00 |
 | 1104 | Early White Stone | From Djenné region, excavated tubes in graduated strands. Quartz? One supplier calls "white agate." Good price for early beads this size. 26" Strands: 1104a 1104b 1104c 1104d 1104e 1104f 1104g 1104j Shorter 22-23" strands: 1104n 1104p 1104q 1104r | $73.50 |
| AGATE, CARNELIAN, JASPER, BLOODSTONE, ETC. All are varieties of Chalcedony (combined quartz & moganite). As found in Africa and described by most Traders, Agate is various colors of banded stone, but not reds. Carnelian is various shades of pink, red, or brown, plain or with banding or mottling, but translucent. Bloodstone is used to describe what is otherwise carnelian, but cut into triangular or spade shapes (and sometimes available in green). Jasper is red-brown (in Africa) and opaque. In some cuts, duller and more granular Bauxite (pipestone) resembles Jasper, but is unrelated. Agate and Carnelian beads originate in India but have been traded to Africa since ancient times. Those I offer have age (string & surface wear, soil in holes). Lately, smaller eroded or age-smoothed Agate and Carnelian beads recovered in digs around Djenn&eacuate; (Mali) have been increasing rapidly in cost, while larger, more regular shapes, perhaps from the early 1800s and sourced from Mali, are nearly as cheap as current Indian products. I have listed Agate and Carnelian, including those excavated at Djenné, in the INDIA section | ||||
 | 919 | Jasper, Multicolor | Nigeria? Modern polished beads, greens & browns with beautiful veining, mostly ±20mm widths, variety of shapes. 15" Strands: 919a 919b | $28.50 |
 | 626 | Bauxite (Pipestone) Short Beads | Rough earthy-red from clay rich in aluminum ore, a distinctive African bead. If you want more (smaller) or fewer (larger) we will try to pick strands for you. Samples shown. Current stock: 626A Slightly polished. Widths from under 5mm to over 8mm. 22" strands $11.50 626R Unpolished, mostly. Widths 6-8.5mm. 28" strands $14.50 626D Darker color. Widths about 6.5-7.5mm. 24" strands $13.00 Discount: 20% off for 3+; 30% off for 10+, mix or match all 626 single strands. | $11.50 - 14.50 |
 | 626 | Bauxite (Pipestone) Long Beads | Mostly 20-40mm long, widths 8-13mm. Strands shown at 150%. Long thins: 626Lj 626Lk 626Lc 626Ld 626Le 626Lf 626Lg 626Lh 23-25" strands, $19 each Long Mixed: 626Ma 626Mb 626Mc 626Md 626Me 626Mf 626Mg 626Mh 21-22" strands, $20 each Long thicks: 626Na 626Nb 626Nc 626Nd 626Ne 626Nf 626Ng 626Nh 23-25" strands, $22 each Bulk Lots: 626L1 626L2 Unpicked hanks of long or wide beads from Traders, 10 strands $125 Discount: 20% off for 3+; 30% off for 10+, mix or match all 626 single strands. | $19.00 - 22.00 |
 | 626 | Bauxite (Pipestone) Wide beads | Mostly 12-17mm widths, disks of varying thickness. 22-24" Strands shown at 150%: 626Wa 626Wb 626Wc 626Wd 626We 626Wf 626Wg 626Wh 626Wj 626Wk Discount: 20% off for 3+; 30% off for 10+, mix or match all 626 single strands. | $22.00 |
| 845 | Ancient Carnelian Tubes | Excavated large beads in translucent to red-brown stone, pecked center holes, ±20-30mm long x 17mm wide. From Mali. Lots: 845L2 3 beads, $45 | $30.00+ |
 | 895 | "Smoky Agate" | Grey & semi-translucent barrels with one end bevelled, ellipsoids & other shapes, variable lengths. Origin unknown, but traded into Nigeria c. 1600s-1800. Not all beads are agate apparently but strands are made up what remains when old necklaces with the more uniform "Red agate" beads are broken up. 20-23" Strands: 895a 895b 895c 895d 895e 895f 895g | $37.50 |
 | 889 | Stone & Imitation | Mixtures drawn from as-worn necklaces in Nigeria, containing agate, other stone, and glass beads with stone motifs. Widths mostly 6-9mm. Each one quite different. 22" Strands: 889c 889d 889f | $18.50 |
| 233 | Talhakimt Pendant, Agate | European-made for export to Africa, lovely reddish translucent stone. I was able to pick fully intact (minor chips at most) pieces from a large lot at a great price. Lengths: B=62-67mm, D=80-87, F=90-98, H=99-110mm, K=Largest. Scans at 200%. 233B1 233B2 233B3 233B5 233B7 233B8 233B9 $16.50 each 233D1 233D3 233D4 233D5 233D14 233D15 $18.50 each 233F1 233F3 233F4 233H1 233H3 233H5 233H6 233H16 233H22 $22.50 each | 16.50 - 22.50 |
| 1086 | Faceted Agate Glass | Multifaceted rounds with prosser seam, red-brown streaks & patches imitating stone. Beads 10.7mm wide. Strand: 1086a | $55.00 |
| 778 | Agate, White | Huge glass beads traded to the Yoruba, who call them Sakia. Milky white, semi-translucent with veins, they do look like stone. Good value in a large bead. Good central bead or pendant for a necklace. 28+" Strands: 778e; 778h; 778r; 778n; 778q $57.50 each
Slightly shorter strands: 778k; 778L $49.50 each; Discount: 15% for 3+ strands | $49.50 - 57.50 |
| 681 | Agate Glass Ellipsoids | Faceted flat-end ellipsoids imitating banded stone, but the stone-like striations stop at the lengthwise seam. Hardly good for the illusion that they are stone. Late 19th century. 22+" Strands: 681C red-browns, ±13x7mm | $18.50 |
| 977 | Whitebelts | Glass bead imitating a specialty cut in black agate with a white vein. Shiny black ellipsoids with narrow white waistband. From Nigeria. Samples shown. 977L) 23", beads ±33x11mm, $17.50; 977S) 22", beads range ±7-11mm widths, $14.50 | $14.50 / 17/50 |
 | 1038 | Tanzanite | From Tanzania, rough stone beads with tiny holes. Not sure if these are new or old, natural color or dyed some way. A customer says it is likely "dyed howlite." Widths ±23-30m. Strands: 1028R) Red, 15" ; 1038G) Green, 18" | $25.00 |
| UNUSUAL MATERIALS | |||||
| Particularly in Africa, beads were made of found objects or organic materials, such as amber, shell, coral, wood, bone & snake vertebrae, or fired earth clay and terracotta. Included here are imitations, mostly European glass. Strictly speaking, "copal" is buried tree resin, often quite old, but not old enough to be true amber. However, most beads from the Africa trade called "copal" are phenolic resins, including Bakelite, an early form of plastic. The age and origins of such beads are a matter for research, but beads showing age and character have become quite valuable both in Africa and among collectors. | |||||
 | 1081 | Copal "Amber" | Likely made in Germany 1920-50 to imitate amber. Phenolic resin, such as Bakelite or another brand name, different from modern plastics. Ttraded to Yemen, mostly 26-32mm on a side, rounded corners. Old beads with true range of amber colors, sold by gram weight in Africa. Photos at 300%; Size (longest side) & weight given; chipped side (if any) shown. Singles: 1081a $56.50; 1081b $46.50; 1081c $62; 1081d $56.50; 1081e $55; 1081f $54; 1081g $46.50; 1081h $50; 1081j $50; 1081k $50; 1081L $50; 1081m $50 1081n $52; 1081p $44; 1081q $50; 1081r $56.50; 1081s $44; Discount: 3 or more beads 20% | $44 - 60 | |
 | 865 | Copal "Amber" | Graduated spherical bicones, including very large beads. Late 20th c.? probably polystyrene. Strands: 865a) Graduated 37" strand, uniform shape & dark color $175; 865b) Graduated 40+" strand, mixed shapes & lighter colors $175; 865c) Graduated 51" strand, uniform shape & lighter color $125 (Don't know why the biggest strand cost me least - different supplier.) | $125.00+ | |
 | 1074 | Copal "Amber" | Red, elliptical beads, fairly regular shape, about 16x21mm. Color is hard to pin down and get right on the scanner: dark orange at center grading to reddish at ends. Slight flaws or inclusions on some. New beads, probably polystyrene. Long 36" strands: 1074a 1074b | $85.00 | |
 | 1075 | Copal "Amber" | Yellow, round beads, fairly regular shape, about 20-22mm. New beads, probably polystyrene. Long 38" strands: 1075a | $110.00 | |
 | 1077 | Copal "Amber" | Yellow/orange, ellipsoid beads, fairly regular shape, about 19x12mm. Likely new polystyrene, but could be an older resin product. 32" Strands: 1077a 1077b | $42.50 | |
 | 1078 | Copal "Amber" | Yellow/orange, barrel beads, fairly regular shape, average 15.5x14mm. Likely new polystyrene, but could be an older resin product. 28" Strands: 1078a 1078b | $62.50 | |
 | 1079 | Copal "Amber" | Pink/Yellows, roundish beads, somewhat irregular shape, about 19-20mm. The crazing, occasional pitting, and varied shades give them an old look. A puzzler as to material, likely polystyrene or acrylic. Super long strand. 40" Strand: 1079a | $100.00 | |
 | 1080 | Copal "Amber" | Amber-color elipsoid beads, somewhat irregular shape, about 14-17x9mm, translucent. Dogon tribe. Slightly rough surfaces but no string wear, so likely new. Probably polystyrene, but much like true amber in appearance. 33" Strand: 1080a | 115.00 | |
 | 641 | Guinea Amber | Hardened tree resins (not true amber) from Gambia & Guinea Bissau (a.k.a. river amber), roughly shaped into beads of 12-25mm and holed with a hot poker. Old amber (and imitation) beads were important trade items in Africa; these are likely new beads. More fragile than glass, but fairly stable to wear. Set: 5 beads, mixed sizes up to 40+mm $4.00 Strands: 641c 641d 641e 641f 641g 641h 32", $24.50 each Bulk strands Save me the cost of doing photos, all similar to photo'd specimens: $20 each, $18.50/3+, $15/6+ (OK to mix 640, 641 for discount) | $15.00 - 24.50 | |
 | 640 | Guinea Amber, Large | Hardened tree resins (not true amber) from Gambia & Guinea Bissau (a.k.a. river amber), roughly shaped into beads of 15-45mm and holed with a hot poker. Old amber (and imitation) beads were important trade items in Africa; these are likely new beads. More fragile than glass, but fairly stable to wear. Strands: 640c 640a 640e 640f 640g 640h 32", $37.50 each Bulk strands Save me the cost of doing photos, all similar to photo'd specimens: $33.50 each, $30/3+, $25/6+ (OK to mix 640, 641 for discount) | $25.00 - 38.50 | |
| 914 | Plastic Amber | Necklace of mixed colors and shapes. Central bead resembles the typical oblate copal now considered antique in Africa. A lively discussion revealed the material "could" be 1920-30's German, but could also be modern Chinese! They show some wear, but not a lot. Strands: 914a 914b 914c 914d 914e Long 36", $65.00 each Lots: 914L1 914L2 914L3 914L4 914L5 $17.50 per lot | $65.00 | |
| 913 | Plastic Amber: Green | Round 14mm beads, possibly intended to mimic amber. They appear dark brown but when held to the light most have a light-green stripe in the center. Not as uniform as they look. Unknown where made, but found in Africa. Strands: 913a 26", $36.50 913b 26", broken $35 | $36.50 | |
| 1262 | Czech Mock Coral | Possibly an older type of Prosser bead. 1980s collection tag reads "Portuguese Mock Coral (Tibetan Prayer Beads)" though they are known in the Africa trade. ±11-12mmx 13-14mm, 24" strand | $45.00 | |
 | 915 | Nigeria Coral | Rough tubular beads in bright red, presumably dyed, said to be early 20th c., Nigeria. Beads range 17x8mm to 22x13mm. 32" Strand: 915b | $47.50 | |
 | 916 | Coral, New | Large chunks of coral smoothed and drilled for beads. Traded in Nigeria, origin? Presumably new. Strands: White: 916a 916b Natural color, 36" massive strands with heavy chunks, $95 Coral color: 916c Presumably dyed, 15" strand $52.50 | $52.50 / 95.00 | |
| 676 | Yoruba Coral | Older (1950s-80s?) "pop" glass imitations of Mediteranean coral beads, "called Ateyun or Iyun" (Simak p.155). Range of shapes and sizes. 26" Strands: 676a 676c 676d 676e 676f, $24.50 each; 676L1) Loose, older, wound(?!)-looking, $20/Lot | $24.50 | |
| 677 | Coral Glass | Large European glass bead in coral color, with subtle swirl pattern, most 48-50mm long x 24mm wide. Lots: 677a Lot: $20; 677b Lot: $20; 677e chips, Lot $20; 677f Lot $27.50 ; Strands: 677n Ten huge pinks with 25mm widths, plus six likely African-made. From Nigeria $85 | $20.00+ | |
 | 1184 | Sherpa Coral | Oblate pink Molded glass dyed to resemble coral, from India, China, etc. traded to Sherpas and others in Nepal & Tibet. Most sellers say early 1900s or earlier. Mostly 11x18mm, wide holes, traded to Nigeria. Singles: $3.50 each, $3/3+, $2.25/10+; Strands: 1184a 32" $125 | $3.50 / 125 | |
 | 1185 | Sherpa Coral | Bright Red Molded glass dyed to resemble coral, from India, China, etc. traded to Sherpas and others in Nepal & Tibet. Most sellers say early 1900s or earlier. Ellipsoids & barrels, mostly 11-20mm widths. Scanned at 300%. Lots: 1185L9 $18.50/Lot | $18.50 | |
 | 1190 | Black Coral Necklaces | Natural black coral in varous shapes with silver nails inlaid. Supplier says "1000 year old Islamic prayer beads" but other sellers follow Dubin's info: made in Istanbul 1800s, traded to Yemen. Quantities on the market now due to the war there. I picked some nice ones and got a good price. Singles: 1190) Round, mostly 6-7mm, average 1.2gm, showing wear, many with 1-3 pins missing, Samples shown, $10 each, $8/3+, $6.50/5+, $5/12+ Strands: Offered @ $4/gm, including string weight 1190a 50.85gm, $228; 1190c 47.5gm, $214 ; 1190d 30.5gm, $137 | $10.00 / 137.00+ | |
 | 1210 | Mystery Digs | Reliable supplier says they are shell beads excavated in Mali, but I'm not 100% sure of either age or material. Feedback welcome. Short barrels, 6-7mm widths, black speckles, 28" strands. 1210Ba 1210Bb 1210Bc | $45.00 | |
| 990-2 | Mauritania Conus | From Mauritania, shaped, drilled & decoratively worked Conus shells "Used since antiquity . . ." (Simak p.32), now used at Arab weddings. Some beads plain, but scanner does not show well those with decorative etching. Disk strands: Worked, concave white disks strung in opposed pairs. 990b Graduated 13-26mm widths, 24" $85 Fragment strands: Polished bits of conus in graduated strands. 991a $75; 991b $75 Heavy strands: Thick, solid pieces, including whole shells 992a 32", 25 oz (710gm) $200 | $75.00+ | |
 | 807 | Sacred Chank | The Chank or Sankh shell (a type of conch) is sacred in Buddhist and Hindu cultures and appears frequently as an art motif and in early coinge from India through S.E. Asia. Probbly made in Nepal, often associated as well with Tibet, the beads I offer are among the largest available, from the thickest portion of large shells, widths ±16-18mm. They show soiling and string wear so are not new. Singles: $2.25 each/3+, $1.75/10+; Full Strands of 108 beads, ±60" long, as traditionally worn: 807a 807b 807c 807d $100 / strand. | $2.25 / 100 | |
 | 1112 | Conch Shell | Polished white hand-made beads in a variety of shapes, some with intriguing vein patterns & natural folds, or inlays. Likely made in Nepal, though one Africa trader claims they are worn by the Hausa and I have seen one type that is obviously older & from a reliable trader who found them in Sudan. These appear to be new, though some show signs of soiling and cleaning. Often sold at around $90 as Naga, Buddhist, Malla, sacred Chank, etc. Variety of shapes, long 30" strands. Mix or match for discount. 30" Strands: Rounds Widths ±8-12mm 1112Aa 1112Ab 111A2c 1112Af Inlaid Elipses: Lengths ±21mm, stone-chip(??) inlays 1112Ea 1112Eb 111.Ec 1112Ed Disks: ±6-8mm widths 1112Da 1112De 1112Dc 1112Df Discount: 2 strands $60 each; 4 strands $50 each | $75.00 | |
 | 850 | "White Coral" (Shell) | Conidae shell beads ca. 1800, Nigeria (Biafra region), traditionally strung in necklaces with large red coral beads. Very small center holes. Mostly long barrels, but many strands are smaller beads. Simak, African Beads, p. 31. Singles: 850X) Large barrels from this strand, larger $3 each, smaller $2 each; Strands: 850a 850b 850c 850g 850e 850f 26", $39.50 each PRICE REDUCED | $2.00+ / 39.50 | |
 | 207a | Cowrie Belt | , where cowries are still used as currency. Large "broken back" cowries strung on leather strip. Length 24" excluding end ties. Scan shows one end. Age uncertain, but not new. | $65.00 | |
 | 207 | Cowrie Strip | Karen & Chin tribes of Burma & Yunnan: "Broken back" cowries strung side by side on rattan strips forming belt: 207f) Incomplete belt of 154 brown toned pieces, 24" $45; 207g) Full belt of 240 cowries, length about 32", some breaks in rattan, so too fragile to wear $85 | $45.00 - 85.00 | |
 | 638 | Ostrich Eggshell | Rough roundish disks of tough eggshell made by the 39,000 year-old "heishi" process of drilling and grinding. One of the oldest bead types and a well-known trade item, associated in modern times with the Turkana, Samburu, Ovambo tribes in east Africa. They range from 6-10mm, about 250-500/strand. Degree of uniformity and cleanliness varies also. Strands (Usual) 638A1 638A3 638A4 638A5 638A6 638A7 22-26", $28.50 each Strands, Excavated, Rougher 638C1 638C2 638C3 638C4 638C5 638C6 638C7 Recent hoard of excavated pieces, matte surfaces and usually smaller (6-9mm widths), 24" strands.$26.50 each Strands, Bulk: 638a) Usual 22-26" strands, or 638c) Excavated strands Just as the photo'd examples, either or mix: $22.50 / strand, $17.50/3+, $13.50/10+ | $22.50 / 26.50 | |
 | 1639 | Ostrich Eggshell Belt | Massai, East Africa, Belt of thin, blonde leather with ostrich eggshell beads stitched in three rows, seed beads at ends. Length 34" + tie fringes. Pliable and wearable, but should be treated with preservative. | $75.00 | |
 | 1638 | Ostrich Eggshell Loincloth | Turkana Tribe. Money-belt loincloth with thin leather panel, strung units of ostrich eggshell beads & leather ties. The beads are properly grungy, as they circulated as money, vs. the cleaned up ones sold in the bead trade. 123 units of about 24 beads, 28" long end to cup bottom, 28.5 oz. Probably for ceremonial wealth-display rather than everyday use. No evident damage, but should be treated as fragile. | $250.00 | |
| 1258 | Ndoro Triangles | Conus shells were introduced to East Africa by Arab slavers and served as both currency (like cowries) and status symbols, worn whole or cut in half, on the forehead by Shona Chiefs. "In the 1870s the British destroyed as many of them as they could find in British East Africa, because of their presumed links to paganism. When crime greatly increased due to the lack of currency, they had porcelain copies of the shells made in Bohemia [in 1892 - Liu] with serial numbers on them. In time the Bohemians took the design and made glass copies . . . . " (Francis, p109). See also Liu, R., Collectible Beads p. 29, 42. Today the Masai and related tribes still value and modify by filing the more modern Czech glass copies. My specimens were collected from the Tonga Tribe of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Sngles: Shown at 300%; reverses are plain. 1258C1 1258C3 1258C4 1258C6 ±30-40mm, $15 each; 1258D1 42mm $17.50 | $2.50 - 17.50 | |
| 1270 | Excavated Faience (?) | My Trader supplier, with many contacts in the Djenn&eacuate; / Timbuctu region, had these three strands on consignment because he buys excavated clay cheaply, and was uncertain why a higher price was asked. It is pale green and porous, mostly undamaged beads, but the few chipped showing a darker green inside. In the 1960-70s genuine Ushabtis were cheap, and these remind me of the more deteriorated pieces I handled. Whoever made up the strands left them with soil rather than risk the usual harsher cleaning, and made up two strands (a and b) of 75 each rather uniform asymmetrical convex cones, with 81 beads of lesser quality or variant shape (strand c) left over. My guess is the shape of these beads would help date and place them - Egypt? Persia? They may be contemporary with the commoner melon beads. If you have knowledge in this area, please contact me & I will pass it on here. Beads mostly 8x10 to 15x17mm, very wide center holes. Singles: 1270B) Large, ±13-14.5mm widths, $6.50 each/3+, 5.00/10+; 1270S) Smaller, ±10.5-13mm widths, $5.50 each/3+, 4.00/10+; OK to mix sizes for quantity price. Mini-collection: 1270L1) Eight pieces including largest & unusual shapes from strand, $65.00; Strands: 1270a) 75 beads, similar shape, $250; 1270c) 81 beads, mixed shapes, $275; 1270e) Mostly blues, mixed shapes, from an earlier purchase, 24", $125 | $6.00 / 250.00 | |
| 200 | Excavated Terracotta | Sandy color From the medieval site of Djenné in Niger on the Tumbuctu trade route, excavated terracotta beads 500-800 years old. In various earth colors, tubes of varying lengths which appear to be individual "seed" sized beads. Cheap because there is little jewelry demand. Generally cleaned, but small soil traces remain. 32-34" Strands: $7.50, $5.00/10, $2.50/Hank of 100 strands | $7.50 | |
| 203 | Excavated Terracotta | Off-white, Large From Djenné region, roughly round or biconal beads, sometimes mixed with short tubes which appear to be 2-4 conjoined single beads. These are whiter, larger, and more separated (vs tubes) than the commoner "200" beads offered above. Varied Strands: 203g $15.00 each | $15.00 Graduated Strands: 203) Widths 3-5mm, all much like the SAMPLE strands $10 each; Varied Strands: 203a 203c $15 each | $15.00 |
| 204 | Excavated Terracotta | Black & Brick-red ellipsoids Excavated at Djenné, beads most 5mm wide x 7-12mm long, 25+" strands pretty much alike. | $16.50 | |
| 202 | Excavated Terracotta | Orange: Large Excavated beads from the Djenné region in a variety of shapes, larger than the tubular types more commonly found. 34" Strands: 202a 202h 202c 202d 202f | $27.50 | |
 | 876 | Mali Clay (Orange) | Burnt-orange terracotta beads with simple chalky incised designs. Reliable supplier says 1950s-60s, but could be more recent. 876S) Small, about 10-11mm, long 36" strand: $12.00; 876L) Large, about 18-22mm, 30" strand $22.50; 876B) Bottle-shaped, about 15x21mm, Strand of 34 beads $20 | $12.00+ | |
 | 1304 | Mali Clay (Black) | Big disks of orange clay with black applied around design elements; different from the modern spindle whorl beads of black clay with color applied to incised designs. Older?? Disks mostly 30-32mm wide, designs both sides. Strands: 1304a 1304b 1304d | $30.00 | |
 | 2500 | Spindle Whorls | Nigeria Strung as beads, these are terracotta weights used to spin fabric strands into thread. They are one of the commonest and most universal of artifacts. Age unknown, but not recent. Size 40-50m across. Incised designs are much more visible than in the flat scanner images. Singles: in Row A Small, plain, or rough $9 each, in Rows B-C Nicer $15 each, in Rows D-E $20 each, and in Rows F-G Largest & most detailed $25 each. Discount: 2+ pieces: 15%, 5+ take 25%. | $9.00+ | |
 | 2502 | Spindle Whorls | Mali Decorated terracotta weights used with wooden spindles to create thread from fibers; they resemble large earth-color beads. These range from sharp and detailed to worn and plain; each strand is different. Widths & lenghts typically 22-27mm, 26-28" strands unless noted. Shown at 150%. Strands: 26-28" 2502f) Long 37" $85; Lots: 2502L1, 2502L2 $12.50/ Lot of 4 | $12.50 / 55+ | |
 | 2504 | Spindle Whorls | Guinea Strung as beads, these are terracotta weights used to spin fabric strands into thread. They are one of the commonest and most universal of artifacts. Strands of 29 beads, mixed sizes and quality. Strands: 2504b 2504d 2504e Each: | $79.50 | |
 | 2507 | Spindle Whorls | Mali Terracotta beads made by the Dogon, based on weights used to spin fabric strands into thread. Presumably modern. Black with white patterns. Bead width 25-30mm; Singles: 2507 $2.00 each/3+ | $2.00 / 30.00 | |
 | 2508 | Spindle Whorls | Mali Terracotta beads, or actual spindle whorls, made by the Dogon. Nice quality pieces, individually cut, apparently with some age. Bead width ±28-33mm; 26-28" Strands: 2508a | $55.00 | |
 | 280 | Spindle Whorl Pendants | Silver and Copper Medals based on Northwest American Indian spindle whorl designs (note circle at center). Three different designs, each available in .999 silver, and Alaskan copper, with Lodgepole Pine reverse. Size 1.75" (45m), 2 troy oz. weight - larger than a Silver Dollar. The silver come with silver bezel, the copper with loop, cord, and certificate of authenticity. Designed by Seattle artist Joseph Illg, a limited edition struck by Northwest Territorial Mint. Silver were $90 each, now $45 (bullion ±$37); Copper were $30 each, now $15 to CLEAR | $15.00 - 45.00 | |
 | 2490 | Terracotta Fishnet Weights | Mali, age unknown, VERY large pinkish-brown earth color ellipsoids. Lengths 75-103mm, weights 64-181gm (3.3-6.4 oz.) Could be central pendant on a very clunky necklace! Shown at 200%. Singles: 2490a 2490b 2490c 2490d 2490e 2490f $17.50 each | $17.50 | |
 | 1665 | Snake Vertebrae: Graduated | Actual snake bones, strung from largest to smallest, on grass fiber. Probably stained to brown color. Age unknown; most strands show dulled, whitened edges as though from skin wear, but could be filed for comfort. Probably from Nigeria; widely used in Africa for divination. Range of widths noted. 22+" Strands: 1665Ma) 8.7-12.3mm $45; 1665Mb) 9.1-13.2mm $47.50; 1665Mc) 7.0-12.8mm $37.50; 1665Ba) 10.6-12.6mm $55; 1665Bb) 9.1-13.5mm $55.00; 1665Bc) 10.0-14.3mm $55; 1665Bd) 10.7-18mm $75; | $37.50 - 55.00 | |
| 1667 | Snake Vertebrae: Uniform | Actual snake bones, of similar size, strung on grass fiber. Probably stained to brown color. Age unknown; most strands show dulled, whitened edges as though from skin wear, but could be filed for comfort. Probably from Nigeria; widely used in Africa for divination. Average widths noted. Strands: 1667Mb) 9.5-10.5mm $45.00; 1667Mc) 7.8-11.5mm $40.00; 1667Ba) 12.5-13.7mm $60.00; 1667Bb) 13.0-16.5mm $65.00; 1667Bc) 13.2-16.2mm $60.00; | $37.50 - $65.00 | |
 | 1669 | Snake Vertebrae: Undyed | Actual snake bones, of similar size, strung on grass fiber. Possibly natural color, or lightly stained. Age unknown; most strands show dulled, whitened edges as though from skin wear, but could be filed for comfort. Probably from Nigeria; widely used in Africa for divination. Range of widths noted. 22+" Strands: 1669a) 12-15.5mm $70.00; 1669b) 10.1-16mm $70.00; 1669c) 10-19mm $85.00; | $70.00+ | |
| 1667Z | Snake Vertebrae: Bulk | Find yourself propitiating the spirits on a regular basis? You might be going through a lot of bones. This hank of 23" strands, all decent sized 12-16mm widths, may work for you. Most strands fairly uniform widths, a few look like a "natural" snake. Per lot of 5 strands from this hank: | $145.00 | |
 | 1256 | Camel Bone | Modern carved from Nigeria. One seller says camel bone dyed with henna; a trader says cow bone. Two different types: Disks Widths range ±13-30mm, 24" strand 1256a 1256b Bicones Widths range ±14-21mm, 26" strand 1256q | $55.00 | |
 | 688 | Skull Beads | In Tibet, rosary beads were made from Monks' knuckle bones carved into double-faced skulls, traditionally 108 pieces on a string. These modern replicas are made in Nepal of Yak bone. 688B) Small Beads 7mm wide x 10mm tall, Long 42" strand: $16.50/strand ($10/3, $8.50/10, Inquire/25) 688C) Medium Beads 9mm wide x 16mm tall, super-long 62" strand: : $21.00/strand ($13/3, $11/10, Inquire/25) Large Singles 688L) Larger versions of Yak bone skulls, holed top & bottom for stringing, or will stand up, 30m tall x 24m. $2.50 each | $2.50 / 16.50+ | |
 | 632a | Coconut Heishi | Disks of 11-12.5mm width coconut shell. Old 32" strand from 1980s collection & 1980s pricing! One only. | $24.50 | |
 | 1180 | Mali Ebony | Graduated 32" strand of dark brown wooden beads with natural grain, some with blonde highlight areas. Widths range 12-19mm. These have been outed as a recent China product, though the wood is likely African. They show some wear. Strands: 1180a 1180b | $45.00 | |
 | 928 | Wooden Prayer Beads | Islamic prayer beads from Mali. Very hard, dark wood with inlaid aluminum bands. Newly made. Strands: 928b) 10-114mm widths, with pendant & toggles, 28" strand | $27.50 | |
| AMERICAS (traded into)> | ||||
| My beads are sourced from Africa. This category repeats listings from Venice & Europe above, for types associated with the Americas trade, though sometimes varieties traded to Africa are different from those found in Amerind sites and jewelry. From The History of Beads by Lois Dubin, p.114: "Spanish traders brought a variety of beads to the New World in the early sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Beads distributed in the earlier days of their trade included Nueva Cadiz varieties, faceted chevrons, eye beads and compound beads (some with three layers of color). There were also monochrome beads in a variety of sizes, ranging from seed beads in yellow, green, and blue to larger, predominantly blue spheres. By the mid-1600s, most of the complex, more ornate beads had disappeared. Spherical turquoise blue beads continued as one of the most popular types." I have also used various booklets by G. B. Fenstermaker picturing beads found at Amerind burial sites. His plate in First Northwest Coast Colored Trade Bead Chart shows additional types of fancy beads. | ||||
| EARLY COMMON TYPES The Galet Rouge and Porcelain beads below are from the Africa market, and are generally larger than those preferred by, and traded to, native North Americans | ||||
| 678 | Green Heart / Galet Rouge / Hudson Bay | Brick red over dark green cores in tubular or disk shapes First made c. 1700, ±7.5-10mm width versions were traded in huge quantities to Nigeria and the Cassamance region, while seed and "pony" sizes were preferred in North America. Pits and chips are common on older beads from the Africa trade. They are usually strung in 28-30" strands with a few narrower beads at the ends and little difference in overall quality among strands. I suggest the Bulk strands as your best buy, but have photo'd some single strands. Pick your Strands 30" 678k 678n 678d 678e 678p 678g 678h $24.50 each; Bulk Strands: 28-30" 678) Single strand $19.50; $17.50/3+; $14/10+ Bulk Salvage Strands: 678V) From the Cassamance coast of Senegal where they are collected on the beach from old shipwrecks. Rougher, less vibrant color, but that and the romance of salvage are why they are no cheaper than the circulated beads. Single 30" strand $19.50; $17.50/3+; $14/10+; OK to mix for best quantity rate. See HERE for later, smaller types of Green Hearts. | $19.50 / 24.50 |
| 649 | Porcelain / Cassamance / Goombah / Shipwreck | Among the first European beads traded to Africa, tentatively attributed to Venice. Milk white, tubular widths ±6-9mm, called Porcelain beads, White Greenhearts, Pony beads in the Americas, Goombah in Senegal. Salvage (shipwreck?) beads washed up near the Albreda trading post at Juffureh or near the rivers Gambia or Cassamance (often with green hearts) are called Cassamance beads. The salvage beads have a great, aged look, and are a bit more expensive than the clean ones from trade. Samples shown: 649a) Porcelain / Goombah beads, 24" strands $9.00, $8/3+, $6.50/10+, $5/50+ 649s) Casamance beads (Porcelain / Goombahs from shipwreck) 28-32" strands $14.00, $12.50/3+, $11.00/10+. OK to mix for best discount. | $11.00 / 14.00 |
| NUEVA CADIZ The origins of this sophisticated bead are unknown but they date at least to the early 1500s and were primarily traded by the Spanish into South America. The oldest are three-layer drawn beads, rectangular with rounded corners, diameter 4-8mm and often long, up to 50mm, in various shades of blue. A later type, probably Bohemian, associated with 17th Century North American sites, is unlayered and dark blue. | ||||
| 495 | Nueva Cadiz 2G | Second generation small, three-layer beads in green, light blue, or classic dark blue. These are recently cut by a bead-maker from valuable old canes acquired in the 1980's or earlier from the liquidated stock of a Murano firm. Rarely found on the market. Sample end view. Singles & lots: 495a $35; 495f Lot $125 | $35.00+ |
| CHEVRONS Also called Rosetta or Star beads, they are one of the earliest and most valued of the trade beads and heralded the renaissance of European bead-making in Murano (Venice). The 7-layers (w/b/w/c inside red layer) are oldest, dated to ca. 1480 - 1580. Some 5-layer (b/w inside) are roughly contemporary, and are scarcer as a class than other types. By the early 1600s beads using green or black for the outer layer appeared, and both the 4-layer (w inside) and 6-layer (w/b/w inside) were first produced. Sixes lack the clear (c) inner layer of 7's. Because the fours and sixes continue to be made, the easiest way to tell age is the condition of the bead, and the tendency in newer beads for the ends to be flat or smoothly bevelled rather than hand-filed. The Africa traders value hand-filed sixes nearly as much as sevens. Size (length and diameter) along with condition and symmetry dictate the market value, and like most high-end trade beads, values advance with time. For six-layers and other types see the VENICE listings. Modern Chinese Chevrons with artificial wear are turning up in Africa and convincing copies are being made from old cane. | ||||
| 310 | Chevron: 7 Layer | Largest: Widths 26+mm. Showing four views of each bead at 300%. Described Length x Width in mm. Singles: 310b 37.5x31 $200; 310d 33x28 $215; 310f 31.5x28 $215; 310h 31x26 $175; 310j 30.8x27.5 $200;310L 31.7x27 $175 | $125.00 - 295.00 |
| 311 | Chevron: 7 Layer | Medium: Widths 24+mm. Showing four views of each bead at 300%. Described Length x Width in mm. Singles: 311b 31.5x25.5 $125; 311c 27.5x25 $125; 311d 26.5x25.7 $85; | $85.00 - 150.00 |
| 312 | Chevron: 7 Layer | Narrow: Widths 16+mm. Showing four views of each bead at 300%. Described Length x Width in mm. Singles 312b 21.7x21 $85; 312c 32.5x21 $125; 312d 25.6x20.8 $100; 312e 20x20.5 $100 312j 23x18.5 $100; 312k 19.5x19 $100; 312L 20x17 $80 | $60.00 - 225.00 |
| 313 | Chevron: 7 Layer | Short: Under 15mm L or W. Showing three views of each bead at 300%. Described Length x Width in mm. Singles: 313a 18.6x13 $65; 313b 17x11 $45; 313c 12x20 $40; 313d 13x19 $25; 313e 14x13.8 $40; 313e 13.7x14 $50 | $25.00 - 65.00 |
| 322 | Chevron 7L Strands | Long strands of later trade chevrons. Scans at 150% show sample bead sizes. Strands: 322b) 34" strand of mixed 6L & 7L, medium to small sizes; other side, $1250 | $700.00+ |
| 315 | Chevron: 5 Layer | Though scarcer than 6's or 7's they are less popular, probably because they look like middle-period 6's unless you count layers; pricing is guesswork as I can find none offered. The outer "blue" layer is usually very dark, even black. Showing three views of each bead at 300%. Described Length x Width in mm. Singles: 315a 31x18 $85; 315c 26x17 $75; 315d 25x18.8 $ $45; 315e 28x17 $50; 315f 30x15.7 $50; 315g 29x15.7 $40;315q 25x15 $40 | $40.00 - 85 |
| 1214 | Dutch Chevrons | Drawn beads rounded by the early (pre-1860s) a speo or hot tumbled method, many have a fluid, melted look. Ca. 1600s-1700s and likely made in Amsterdam by expatriate Venetians. This exact type found at 1620's Dutch sites in New York. See (download) Karklins, Karlis, The A Speo Method . . ., 1993, esp. figure 4. Most are a very deep blue, appearing black. Shown two views at 400%. Black & Whites: Singles: Crude, early type considered a 3 or 4 layer: 1214A1 $30; 1214A3 $20; 1214A5 $35; 1214A11 $20 1214A12 $20; Black & Whites: Bulk: Samples shown. 1214C,D,E) C = Nicest quality, mostly ±13x12mm $18.50 each; D = More worn or smaller $13.50 each; E = Most worn or sm all $9.50 each; Multicolor Lot: 1214L1) Four for $25; Small strand: 1214a) Top of strand from which singles were pulled, 35 beads mixed types & condition: $285 Discount on 1214 singles / lots (1214A-E) $50+ total take 150%, $100+ take 20%. | $8.50 / 285 |
| 556 | Manhattan Bead | Dutch five-layer star Chevrons, 1700s, so-called due to the legend of Manhattan's purchase for beads. Later, simpler Venetian imitations are called American Flag. Strands: 556b) Long 34" strand with several varieties, plus some brown Venetian, mostly 10-17mm widths; other side, $450 | $475.00 |
| WHITE HEARTS A layered, wound bead with translucent red over a white or yellowish core first made ca. 1825, though Dubin mentions drawn versions with greenish cores dating to ca. 1600, and modern white hearts, made in Venice and Asia, are drawn. Their formal name Cornalene d'Aleppo is a corruption of "carnelian of Aleppo (Syrian city)." Traded widely around the world, the early types are called Hudson Bay beads for their use in North America. Rounds in sizes from seed to over 23mm and barrels from under 6mm to over 25mm are commonest, though many other shapes exist, as well as surface decorations of spots, florals, etc. | ||||
| 250 | White Heart, Round | Singles: Cournalene d'Aleppo, Hudsons Bay trade beads. Among the oldest of White Heart types. Offered by size (width in mm) and overall quality (grade). Intermediate sizes are scarcer. Please give second choice of size or grade as some are low in stock. Click on thumbnail to see grade samples. 250C) Size 3, 12.5-14.5mm: Grade B SOLD; Grade C $6.50; Grade D $4 250D) Size 4, 14.5-16.5mm: Grade B $12; Grade C $8; Grade D $5; 250E) Size 5, 16.5-18mm: Grade B $17 250F) Size 6, 18-20mm: Grade B $18; Grade C $12; Grade D $9; 250G) Size 7, 20-22.5mm: Grade C $20 250H) Size 8, 22.5-23mm (Largest): Grade C $28 | $4.00 - 28.00 |
| 250 | White Heart, Round | Large: 250g) Average quality, 56 beads, graduated widths 13-24mm | 250.00 |
| 249 | White Heart, Round | Small Ancestors of the size still made today. Strands: 249g) Many beads, mostly 7.5-11mm widths, 28" strand $55 | $55.00 |
| 250Z | White Heart, Round, Flattened | Oldest Cournalene d'Aleppo, Hudsons Bay trade beads. These have been filed flat at ends to fit more snugly on a necklace. From a collection, so not sure if Africa or North America origin. Lots: 250Za) Four sizes $40; 250Zc) Three sizes $26.50; 250Ze) Four, rough $23 | $23.00 - 40.00 |
| 252 | White Heart, Barrel, Large | High quality Singles: VE) mixed sizes, a few chips, etc. $7.00 each; AU) 17x8mm, near perfect $12.50 each. Strands: Slightly graduated, beads 12-16mm wide, 20-26mm long. More beads per strand means smaller average size. Strands: 252ca) 34 beads $250; 252cb) 41 beads $250 | $250.00+ |
| 252 | White Heart, Barrel, Large | Fair quality Strands: Fairly uniform 32" strands of 11-16mm widths. Mostly F-VF grade. Strands: 252a) 40 beads $175; 252c) 35 beads $165; 252d) 36 beads, 30" strand $135; 252f) 36 beads, 26" strand, mostly 11-13mm widths $95 | $95.00+ |
| 252 | White Heart, Barrel, Large | Low quality Strands: Beads that show their age and hard use! Strands: 252La 47 beads, graduated 8-14mm widths, long 38" strand $85; 252Lb 44 beads, mostly 11-15mm widths, 32" strand $60; 252Lc 46 beads, ranging 9-14mm widths, 34" strand $70 252L.d 58 beads, barrels 8-13mm widths (some nice), plus rounds, 35" strand $75 | $60.00+ |
| 248 | White Heart, Barrel, Medium | Mixed widths 6.5-11mm, varied lengths. Strands: 248k) 32", $110; 248L) 32", $110; 248m) 32", $110; 248p) 32", $120; 248u) 22" $80; 248s) 19" $75 | $70 .00+ |
| 248 | White Heart, Mixed | Mixed round & barrel types, or other types mixed in strands. Each one very different. 24" Strands: 248j) Long 32" strand with quite a collection of different Whiteheart shapes & sizes $110; 248t) Ellipsoids mixed in, 20" $80 | $80.00+ |
| 246 | White-Heart, Ellipsoid | Rare variety, a.k.a. Samburu. Found in a range of sizes. Lots of 2+ beads, top condition, from a 1980s strand. Shown at 250%. Largest: 18-19x11+mm 246Ca $45; 246Cb $45 246Cc $45 246Cd $20; < Large: 16.5+x9.5+mm246Ea $25; 246Eb $20; 246Ec $20 246Ed $15; Medium: ±12x8mm 246Ga $40; Small: ±8x7-8mm 246Ja $25; 246Jb $25; 246Jc $25 | $25.00+ / 185.00 |
| 262 | Flower White hearts | Roundish with floral pattern on translucent red over white core; white hearts with a pattern. Mostly 9-10m wide. Almost always found with rough, chipped surfaces; full detail in floral elements is uncommon. Singles: 262A) White & blue florals: Decent condition, Samples shown $5.00 each, $4.00/3+; 262C) Multicolor florals: Decent condition, Samples shown $15.00 each; 262D) Poorer $6 each Lots: 262L1 12 lower quality $30.00; Strands: Mixed quality but generally quite decent: 262a 262b 262c 262e $200 each | $5.00 / 200.00 |
| PADRES Chinese bead which travelled all over the world as part of the Spanish silver trade. Best known in North America where they were popular with Southwest US Amerinds, especially the turquoise blue color. Made ca. late 18th-early 19th C. by the primitive winding process. Strands typically contain true wound beads as well as later, more regular "tire" beads, but only the occasional seamed or prosser bead made in Bohemia. 8-10mm widths, usually 98-104 beads in a 24" strand. As supplies in Africa dry up, the strand length decreases, then it jumps back up to 24" with a price rise. For other Padre colors see the CHINA section. | ||||
 | 531T | Padre: Turquoise | The classic color. Demand from North America sent prices spiraling upward in 2014. Sample 22" strands shown. | $29.00 |
 | 531W | Padre: White | Commonest available color. Also used in North America?? 22" strands. Sample strands shown. | $23.50 |
 | 531U | Padre: | Turquoise, Unused From the Africa trade as usual stock, but with no signs of wear. These have none of the regular, tire-like pieces found in most strands, so could be older than average. Slightly longer 26" strands: 531Ua 531Ub 531Uc 531Ud | $30.00 |
| RUSSIAN BLUES One of the earliest beads made in Bohemia, beginning before 1800, and peaking about 1845. It was cut from faceted canes and then further faceted by grinding. Usual shapes are squares and rectangles with up to 21 facets. The most popular color, then and now, is a dark blue, though others were produced, and a lighter blue was popular in Africa. Their name comes from association with the Russian fur trade in Alaska, though they were apparently stocked by Hudson's Bay as well, and traded elsewhere in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. | ||||
| 562N | Russian Blue Faceted square | Medium beads: Longer strands Squarish & Mixed. Widths range 6-12mm, graduated or uniform strands. Dark cobalt to lighter blue. Each one different. Associated with North American trade, these from Africa. 30" Strands: 562N1 562N3 562N6 562N8 562N9 562N10 562N14 | $100.00 |
| 562P | Russian Blue Faceted square | Medium beads: 24" strands Squarish & Mixed. Widths range 6-12mm, graduated or uniform strands. Each one different. Associated with North American trade, these from Africa. Same size beads as 562N but may display as smaller in some browsers due to linear scans. 24" Strands: 562P21 $100; 562P22 $80 | $80.00+ |
| 563F | Russian Blue: Large | Faceted Ellipsoid Largest of the Russians. Sizes noted in photos. Strands: 563Fb) 25 beads, fairly uniform & symmetrical $325; 563Fd) 29 beads, variation in shapes & sizes $275; 563Ff) 29 beads, plus spacers, variation in shapes & sizes $285 | $250.00+ |
| 563R | Russian Blue: Large | Faceted Rounds & Others "Diamond cut" and other less usual shapes. Strands: 563Ra) Long 36" strand, a collection of unusual shapes, colors & "relatives" $300 | $235.00+ |
| 563E | Russian Blue: Faceted Tubular | Faceted tubes in medium to cobalt blue color. Used in North America trade, though these from Africa. Most 15-22mm L x 4-5mm W; 22-24" Strands: 563Ej 563Ek 563EL 563Em 563En 563Ep 563Eq 563Er | $75.00 |
| 563T | Russian Blue, Tubular | Unfaceted tubes in medium blue color. Used in North America trade, though these from Africa. Most 30-35mm L x 6-7mm W, large center holes. Quite a bargain considering the cost of even small faceted beads today. Sample 28-30" strands shown. $35/ strand, $30/3+ | $35.00 |
| 563U | Russian Blue: Large Tubular | Long tubes 29-32x10mm interspersed with medium-sized faceted beads, long strand | $175.00 |
| 3353 | Lewis & Clark | Oblique red, white & blue bands separating chains of paired white leaves trailed on long black ellipsoid. Though the Lewis & Clark expedition carried beads, this type was a general high-value trade bead in both North America and Africa These in exceptional condition. Two different sides @ 500%. SINGLES/LOTS: Mostly 21-22m long x 10.5-11mm wide. Almost no wear $47.50 each 3353Aa 3353Ab 3353Ac 3353Ad 3353Ae Slight Imperfects $38.50 each: 3353Ba 3353Bb 3353Bc 3353Bd Small chips $29.50 each: 3353Da 3353Db Damage $14.50 each: 3353Fa 3353Fc Damaged Lot $35: 3353L1 Nice used: 3353J) Samples shown, $30.00 each, $25/3+, $22.50/6+ STRANDS: 900a) ±23-24x10.5mm, 30", 34 beads, very light wear, $475; 900g) Graduated 18x9mm to 28x14mm, 26", 30 beads, $525 900j) Graduated 17x10mm to 31x14mm, 25", 30 beads, $465 | $15.00 / 465.00+ |
| 1222 | Gooseberry | Clear glass barrels with thin white stripes, rough flat ends, variable lengths, 10-11mm widths. This clear variety from Africa is valued in North America for its association with early Spanish traders. Not a modern Venetian or Asian variety. Strands, Small beads: 1222B) Widths ±5mm, 22" strand, $30 each; Strand, Large beads: 1222Aa) 88 beads, widths 9.7-11mm, 34" strand, $150; LOT: 1222L1) Small beads: Tiny ±4-5mm group $20 | $20.00 - 150.00 |
| 555 | American Flag | Red & blue stripes on thick white layer, over red (or white) core. Ends can be natural wound or filed flat (by users?). These are a later, less valuable version of the true chevron "Manhattan" beads. See Picard Chevron #943-47. Lots: showing varieties $17.50 each lot: 555La 555Lb 555Lc 555Ld 555Le 555Lq Strands: 555a Short strand 23+ pieces $65 | $17.50+ |
| 1064 | Flag Cousins #1 | Wound brick-red with narrow-band black & white stripes, a relative of Manhattan & American Flag beads, somewhere in between in rarity. Bead widths mostly 16-20mm. Enlarged to 400%, lots of 3 beads, mixed sizes. LOTS: Best: 1064A1 1064A2 1064A5 1064A4 $39/lot; Minor flaws: 1064B1 1064B2 1064B3 1064B4 $29/lot; Serious flaws: 1064C1 1064C2 1064C3 $22/lot; Lot of 10: 1064b) Large, 10-20mm widths, best quality $135 | $15.00 - 39.00 |
| 1065 | Flag Cousins #2, #3 | Wound striped beads, size & patterns similar to Manhattan & American Flag beads, probably somewhere in between in age. Bead widths mostly 12.5-15mm. Enlarged to 300%. Singles: 1065R) Brick red with black, white & blue stripes, $4.50 each, $3.50/3+; 1065Y Red, white, yellow stripes over purple or black core, $6 each, $4.50/3+; OK to mix for quantity discount. | $4.00 - 7.00 |
| 745 | Medicine Beads | Milk white, round or slightly ovoid 10-11mm wound bead with incused dark blue dots and trailed pink lines. Called Medicine bead by Crow Indians, who used them on their medicine bundle (amulet) and as spacers on bear-claw necklaces. These traded into Ethiopia. 30" strands. 80-82 beads 745aa 745bb 745ff 745dd 745ee $100 Each; 24" strands 61-63 beads unless noted. 745Pa 745Pb 745Pc 745Pd 745Pe $72.50 Each | $72.50 / 100 |
| 1228 | Peacock Bead | Semi-translucent yellow flat-end ellipsoids with multicolor banding and complex peacock-fan shaped eyes, about 15x10mm. Supplier calls it Peacock bead, and says they were traded to the Americas, but I can find no other references. Shown 400%. Lots of 3: Top quality. 1228A1 1228A2 1228A3 1228A4 $21 per lot; Lots of 5: Top quality. 1228B1 1228B2 $30/Lot; Lots of 4: Small imperfections or filed down. 1228C1 1228C2 $16/Lot | $16.00 |
| 673 | Skunk: Red | a.k.a. Crows eye, Eye bead, variety of Whiteheart. White "eye" spots on round red beads over white core. A high-value bead, popular in Ethiopia. Beads 10-12.5mm. Singles: 673A) Scattered Eye variety: $4.00 ea, 3.00/3+; 673D) Thousand Eye $4.00 each; 673G) Eyes in rows $4.00 each | $4.00 - 300.00 |
| 551 | Feather, Red | Caramel to red wound ellipsoid with dragged feather motif. Type used by Pacific NW. Amerinds. Most beads 18-25m long. Some partial, chipped, etc. The market price of this type has risen rapidly since 2007. Singles & Lots: Shown 400%: 551La 551Lb 551Lc $21/Lot of 3; 551Ma 551Mb 551Mc $35/Lot of 5; 551Ra $35 for 9; 551Rb $35 for 17
24" strands Mixed quality, some broken, chipped, etc: 551b); 551d) 551a); $125 each 26" strands Mostly nicer quality: 551Ad); 551Ab) 551A.e) $140 each Long 36" strands 551s) ; 551t) $225 each | |
| 703 | Rattlesnake / Meander: White | aka Krakamba. Short barrels with wavy white trailings on black. Dubin #127. Made in Amsterdam (Venice?) in 1700s & traded to Iroquois & other Amerinds, though my stock is later (late 1800s - early1900s) and called Krakumba in Ghana. Singles $3.25 each /3+, $2.50 / 10 Strands: 26" 703f Each: | $140.00 |
| 701 | Rattlesnake / Meander: Yellow | Wavy horizontal YELLOW trailings on shiny black wound glass. Short barrels with wavy YELLOW trailings on black. Dubin #127. Made in Amsterdam (Venice?) in 1700s & traded to Iroquois & other Amerinds, though my stock is later (late 1800s - early1900s) and called Krakumba in Ghana. Scarcer than white variety. Singles: High grade $6 each, $5.25 / 5+. Strands: 24" 701b) High grade $275; 701d) Decent grade $195 | $6.00 / $275.00 |
 | 1151 | Amerind beadwork | From a storage locker find in Indiana Amerind-style beadwork, some needing repair, all fragile. Scanned at 150%: 1151a); Four mini wampum belts or necklaces - one with large leather-backed pendant - and a bone amulet, lot: $40; 1151b Three necklaces, each 18" long, Lot: $30 | $30.00+ |
| 280 | Spindle Whorl Pendants | Silver and Copper Medals based on Northwest American Indian spindle whorl designs (note circle at center). Three different designs, each available in .999 silver, and Alaskan copper, with Lodgepole Pine reverse. Size 1.75" (45m), 2 troy oz. weight - larger than a Silver Dollar. The silver come with silver bezel, the copper with loop, cord, and certificate of authenticity. Designed by Seattle artist Joseph Illg, a limited edition struck by Northwest Territorial Mint. Silver were $90 each, now $45 (bullion ±$37); Copper were $30 each, now $15 to CLEAR | $15.00 - 45.00 |
| MIDEAST - ASIA - OCEANIA | ||||
| For small "nila" or "Indo-Pacific" beads made in India c. 700-1200D and imported to Africa see MEDIEVAL BEADS; for Agate and large Carnelian beads made in Cambay, India at a later period and imported to Africa, see CARNELIAN BEADS | ||||
| 788 | "Roman" Beads | Blue cane-cut beads of obvious age, varying sizes and shapes. This is a trade term for pre-Venetian glass, likely from the middle east. 30" Strands: 788a) Dark: barrels $75 ; 788b) Dark: Mixed shapes $75 | $75.00 |
| 750 | Silk Road Glass | About 2005-06 remnants of what was likely a 1st Century BC glass factory was discovered in Afghanistan (ancient Bactria) along the silk road trade route uniting Rome and China. The glass objects were made using known Roman techniques. Local families excavate the fragments and file it into rough bead shapes, preserving the unique sheen of ancient glass. 16-20" Strands shown at 200%. Tubular beads: 16-18" strands with spacers, ±4.5-6.5mm widths Mixed colors: 750A7 750A2 750A7 750A6 750A5 Cobalt Blue: 750D1 750D2 750D3 Black: 750F1 750F2 750F3 Ridged: 750J1 750J2 750J4 Green & Clear: 750N1 750N2 750N3 750N7 750N8 750N12 750N14 750N15 $32.50 each, $26.50/3+; Green / Clear with Pendants: 750q1 750q2 750q3 $31.50 each, $26.50/3+ Larger Beads / Pendants: Rougher pieces from an older purchase: 750V1) $42.50; 750V2) $42.50; 750V3) $30; 750V4) $20; 750V6) $45 | $31.50+ |
| 1252 | Roman / Islamic Eye | Referred to in trade as "Roman" or "Islamic" eye beads, these from west Africa. Dubin's 2009 chart shows (#20, c. 200 BC) an exact match to the simplest variety as "Wound glass with four stratified eyes. England" and similar beads (#485, c. 1100BC) as dynastic Egypt. Translucent blue with white trailed designs, ±11-16mm wide. My string broke down mostly into four categories: 1) SIMPLE eye: 3-4 eyes spaced around diameter, 2) PAIRED eyes: same placement but pairs, usually gapped, sometimes offset, 3) BELTED: a belt separates each member of the pair, and 4) GREENS: as #1 but green glass with yellow trailing. Width noted. Shown at 300% for detail. SIMPLE eye 1252A1 13mm, $35; 1252A2 12.2mm $37.50; 1252A3 23.7mm, $30; 1252A4 14mm, $23.50; Strand: 1252a) Half of the super-long strand I broke up, 51 beads, mixed varieties, mixed condition, $765 | $22.50 - 45.00 |
| HEBRONS After the fall of the Roman Empire, bead-making survived in the Islamic world until the Mongols and the Crusaders disrupted the trade. On branch of the trade migrated to Hebron, near Jerusalem on the Mediterranean in the 12th century, where a simpler type of bead continued production. "They made beads there, using the salts of the Dead Sea as their alkali. Their glass was opaque yellow and green, sometimes blue and black. The beads were furnace-wound and were popular in Egypt and in sub-Saharan Africa." (Peter Francis, Beads of the World p.78). Today the traders get these beads from Sudan, roughened from centuries of use. They are often filed in Kano, Nigeria, center of the bead trade. Not pretty by today's standards, they represent a unique, though degenerated, survival of a long bead-making tradition. NEW STOCK has come on the market at lower prices. i've bought a large group and believe my prices are the best around. | ||||
| 533 | Islamic Eye Bead | From Hebron, Palestine, a late holdover from more complex earlier Islamic glass & perhaps before skills degenerated to the level of the crude plain yellow, green, etc. beads. Beads range 13-24mm wide. Sold at $300 but got a better deal. 22" Strands: 533c 533d 533e | $175.00 |
| 536Y | Hebron (Kano): Yellow | Singles: Rough, as usual, but not damaged $3.25/1 large, 2.35/3+ mixed, 1.85/10+ mixed; 20-22" Strands, best: Graduated strand (20-22") of 48+ beads, few or none broken, 536Y12; 536Y2; 536Y3; 536Y4; 536Y5; 536Y6; 536Y7; 536Y8; 536Y9; 536Y10; 536Y11 $67.50 each; $60 / 3+; Strands, lower quality: A couple broken beads, or shorter strands as these Samples $57.50 per-1, $50/3+ Dirtier beads may be in better condition, as the cleaning process is hard on these already fragile beads. | $3.25 / 57.50 |
| 536B | Hebron: Baby (Kano) | Crude, variably-shaped chips from yellow Hebrons, re-drilled with small holes, probably in Nigeria. They show much subsequent wear. An interesting example of how the Hebron is a "source" bead. Mostly 6-8mm wide, but some strands are all small or larger pieces. 24+" Strands: 536Ba 536Bb 536Bc 536Bf 536Be | $29.50 |
| 536N | Hebron Buttons | Yellow Hebron beads filed down to roughly 9-10mm widths and often with the ends flattened - same as the smallest beads on graduated strands. Probably done in Nigeria; the filed glass would have gone to make other beads. 20" Strands: 536Nf 536Ng 536Nc 536Nd 536Ne | $45.00 |
 | 998 | Yemen Silver Beads | Hollow spheres, ±25x25mm with fancy designs and large string holes. Made by Jewish silversmiths prior to their expulsion in 1949. Average 8-9gm each. | $23.50 |
| AGATE, , JASPER, BLOODSTONE, ETC. All are varieties of Chalcedony (combined quartz & moganite). As found in Africa and described by most Traders, Agate is various colors of banded stone, but not reds. Carnelian is various shades of pink, red, or brown, plain or with banding or mottling, but translucent. Bloodstone is used to describe what is otherwise carnelian, but cut into triangular or spade shapes (and sometimes available in green). Jasper is red-brown (in Africa) and opaque. In some cuts, duller and more granular Bauxite (pipestone) resembles Jasper, but is unrelated. Agate and Carnelian beads originate in India but have been traded to Africa since ancient times. Those I offer have age (string & surface wear, soil in holes). Lately, smaller eroded or age-smoothed Agate and Carnelian beads recovered in digs around Djenné (Mali) have been increasing rapidly in price, while larger types, perhaps from the early 1800s onward and sourced from Mali, are nearly as cheap as current unworn Indian products lacking the character of long use. | ||||
| 691 | Ancient Agate, etc. | Excavated stone beads, mixed colors. From Djenné region, probably 7th c. AD or earlier. Strands: 691f) 36" $325; 691g) 23" $150 | $150.00+ |
| 693 | Ancient Carnelian | Excavated stone beads: barrel, bicone & ellipsoid, from deep reds to pale pinks, mostly larger sizes. Much variation. From Djenné region. Polished strands:: 693a 30"; 693b 28"; 693c 24" $95.00 each; 693p Loose, partial strand $50; Rough strands: 693q 26-28" $175 | $95.00 / 175.00 |
| 692 | Ancient Carnelian, Large | Excavated stone beads, from deep reds to pale pinks, some strands other shades. Super-long strands. From Djenné region, probably 7th c. AD or earlier. Barrels:: 692a) 38" $850; Rounds: 692e) 40" $325; 692f) 44" $360; Disks: 692h) 40" $325; Teardrops, diamonds, etc.: 692m) 30" Premium quality beads, from Mauritania $375 | $325.00+ |
| 895 | "Smoky Agate" | Grey & semi-translucent barrels with one end bevelled, ellipsoids & other shapes, variable lengths. Origin unknown, but traded into Nigeria c. 1600s-1800. Not all beads are agate apparently but strands are made up what remains when old necklaces with the more uniform "Red agate" beads are broken up. 20-23" Strands: 895a 895b 895c 895d 895e 895f 895g | $37.50 |
 | 890 | Carnelian Rounds | Small: Graduated 24" strands of red-brown semi-translucent rounds traded into Mali ca. early 20th c.; range ±6-9mm. Some strands are all darker beads. Inexpensive compared to the older, excavated Carnelian. Strands: 890a 890b 890c 890d 890e 890f 890g 890h 24" strands $19.50; Medium: 890Ta; 890Tb 28" strands of 6-12mm beads $30; Discount: Carnelian 890, 891, 892, 893, 783, 784 mix or match, any 3 strands 10%, 5+ strands 15%, 10+ strands 25% | $19.50 / 30.00 |
 | 891 | Carnelian Rounds | Large: Graduated 23-24" strands of red-brown semi-translucent rounds traded into Mali ca. early 20th c.; range ±10-22mm. Some strands are all darker beads. Inexpensive compared to the older, excavated Carnelian. Strands: 891a 891c 891d 891e 891f 891g 891h 24" strands $35.00; Discount: Carnelian 890, 891, 892, 893, 783, 784 mix or match, any 3 strands 10%, 5+ strands 15%, 10+ strands 25% | $35.00 |
 | 892 | Carnelian Ellipsoids | Strands of red-brown semi-translucent rough ellipsoids traded into Mali ca. early 20th c.; lengths range ±10-20mm. Some strands have interesting segmented shapes. Inexpensive compared to the older, excavated Carnelian. 22-24" Strands: 892b 892d 892e 892f 892g 892h; Discount: Carnelian 890, 891, 892, 893, 783, 784 mix or match, any 3 strands 10%, 5+ strands 15%, 10+ strands 25% | $22.50 |
 | 893 | Carnelian Tubes | Strands of darker red-brown semi-translucent tubes with bevelled ends traded into Nigeria. Inexpensive compared to the older, excavated Carnelian. Strands: Larger 24" strands, widths range ±8-10mm 893a 893b 893c 893d 893e $40.00; Smaller 22" strands, widths range 7-9.5mm 893Ta 893Tb 893Tc 893Td 893Te 893Tf 893Tj 893Th $25.00; Discount: Carnelian 890, 891, 892, 893, 783, 784 mix or match, any 3 strands 10%, 5+ strands 15%, 10+ strands 25% | $40.00 / 25.00 |
 | 888 | Carnelian Rectangles | Strands of HUGE red-brown semi-translucent rough rectangles with bevelled ends traded into Nigeria, probably from Cambay, India, ca. early 20th C. These are so big I have not enlarged the photos. 26" Strands: 888a 888b 888c | $47.50 |
 | 783 | Carnelian Roughs | Mixed strands with rectangles, bicones, and triangular pieces representing dates, many chipped or filed, usually well worn. Likely from Cambay, India, and c. 500-200 years old for date-shapes, but less than 100 y.o. for more finished rectangles. 26" Strands: 783a 783b 783c 783d 783e 783f 783g 783h 783j Discount: Carnelian 890, 891, 892, 783, 784 mix or match, any 3 strands 10%, 5+ strands 15%, 10+ strands 25% | $37.50 |
 | 784 | Carnelian "Hearts" | Triangle / spade/ heart shapes, many chipped or broken, usually well worn. A knowledgeable trader says imported to Africa 1920s-50s. Graduated Strands: 784Ra 784Rb 784Rc 784Rd 784Rf 15-40mm stones in 22" strands $32.50; Smaller stones: 784Aa 784Ab 784Ac 784Ad 784Ag 784Ah 15-22mm stones in long 36" strands $38.50; Large stones: 784Fa 784Fb 784Fd 784Fe 784Ff 18-50+mm stones in long 38" strands $49.50; Discount: Carnelian 890, 891, 892, 783, 784 mix or match, any 3 strands 10%, 5+ strands 15%, 10+ strands 25% | $32.50+ |
 | 730 | Face Beads | Colorful modern wound beads from India featuring small, goofy faces: 730a) String of 23 varied shapes $35; 730L1) 12 loose beads, conical shape $18.50; 730L2) Five beads, without face theme $8.50 | $8.50 - 35.00 |
 | 1254 | Kond Brass | Nicely worn-looking brass from the Kond Tribe, Orissa, India, possibly early 20th Century. Three types: Large Faceted Bicones: 1254Aa); 1254Ac) ±11x15mm, 24" strands, $55; Small Faceted Bicones: 1254Ba) ±6.5x9mm, 24" strand, $40; Split Bicones: 1254Ea) ±9x10mm, 24" strand, $50 | $40.00 - 55.00 |
| 1040 | Tile Beads | Small tubes with burnt-red exterior over darker core. Traded to the Naga and Chin peoples of NW Burma and NE India. Typical sizes are 3x8mm and 4x5mm for two sample strands shown. These are from an importer's stash from the 1990s or earlier; I can't find them offered online. They don't come up in the Africa trade. 34" strands: $6.00 each; 4.50/3, 3.75/10, 3.00/50; Set of thick & thin strands, $10 | $3.00 - 6.00 |
 | 335 | Big Disk Chevron | Wide, thick cane-cut disks with multicolor stripes over black / white / black star interiors. Unusual bead, from Thailand, appears old. 16-18mm widths. 34" Strands: 335a) Blue, white, yellow & brick red ; 335b) Red, white & black. | $62.50 |
 | 728b | Akha Necklace | Thailand / Burma region. Modern "money" necklace using Cowries, white heart trade beads, and (worn) coins stitched on black fabric. Sample shown. | $17.50 |
| 207a | Cowrie Belt | , where cowries are still used as currency. Large "broken back" cowries strung on leather strip. Length 24" excluding end ties. Scan shows one end. Age uncertain, but not new. | $65.00 |
| 207 | Cowrie Strip | Karen & Chin tribes of Burma & Yunnan: "Broken back" cowries strung side by side on rattan strips forming belt: 207f) Incomplete belt of 154 brown toned pieces, 24" $45; 207g) Full belt of 240 cowries, length about 32", some breaks in rattan, so too fragile to wear $85 | $45.00 - 85.00 |
| 807 | Sacred Chank | The Chank or Sankh shell (a type of conch) is sacred in Buddhist and Hindu cultures and appears frequently as an art motif and in early coinge from India through S.E. Asia. Probbly made in Nepal, often associated as well with Tibet, the beads I offer are among the largest available, from the thickest portion of large shells, widths ±16-18mm. They show soiling and string wear so are not new. Singles: $2.25 each/3+, $1.75/10+; Full Strands of 108 beads, ±60" long, as traditionally worn: 807a 807b 807c 807d $100 / strand. | $2.25 / 100.00 |
| 1112 | Conch Shell | Polished white hand-made beads in a variety of shapes, some with intriguing vein patterns & natural folds, or inlays. Likely made in Nepal, though one Africa trader claims they are worn by the Hausa and I have seen one type that is obviously older & from a reliable trader who found them in Sudan. These appear to be new, though some show signs of soiling and cleaning. Often sold at around $90 as Naga, Buddhist, Malla, sacred Chank, etc. Variety of shapes, long 30" strands. Mix or match for discount. 30" Strands: Rounds Widths ±8-12mm 1112Aa 1112Ab 111A2c 1112Af Inlaid Elipses: Lengths ±21mm, stone-chip(??) inlays 1112Ea 1112Eb 111.Ec 1112Ed Disks: ±6-8mm widths 1112Da 1112De 1112Dc 1112Df Discount: 2 strands $60 each; 4 strands $50 each | $75.00 |
| 688 | Skull Beads | In Tibet, rosary beads were made from Monks' knuckle bones carved into double-faced skulls, traditionally 108 pieces on a string. These modern replicas are made in Nepal of Yak bone. 688B) Small Beads 7mm wide x 10mm tall, Long 42" strand: $16.50/strand ($10/3, $8.50/10, Inquire/25) 688C) Medium Beads 9mm wide x 16mm tall, super-long 62" strand: : $21.00/strand ($13/3, $11/10, Inquire/25) Large Singles 688L) Larger versions of Yak bone skulls, holed top & bottom for stringing, or will stand up, 30m tall x 24m. $2.50 each | $2.50 / 16.50+ |
| 1184 | Sherpa Coral | Oblate pink Molded glass dyed to resemble coral, from India, China, etc. traded to Sherpas and others in Nepal & Tibet. Most sellers say early 1900s or earlier. Mostly 11x18mm, wide holes, traded to Nigeria. Singles: $3.50 each, $3/3+, $2.25/10+; Strands: 1184a 32" $125 | $3.50 / 125.00 |
| 1185 | Sherpa Coral | Bright Red Molded glass dyed to resemble coral, from India, China, etc. traded to Sherpas and others in Nepal & Tibet. Most sellers say early 1900s or earlier. Ellipsoids & barrels, mostly 11-20mm widths. Scanned at 300%. Lots: 1185L9 $18.50/Lot | $18.50 |
| 1284 | Chinese Fossilized Ivory | These remain something of a mystery. I got them from a coin dealer whose inventory I purchased ca. 1988, and he called them "Chinese neolithic jade." They're clearly not jade, and while they have the sound of glass or stone when tapped, they show the sort of crazing and cracks I've seen on old ivory bracelets. The best comment I got from the Bead Collector Network Bulletin Board was having seen their like in a Thai market, being sold by a non-Thai, and others had ID'd as fossilized ivory. A Chinese coin expert who studies published excavation reports to help date early coins suggests Western Zhou period, ca. 800-500 BC. They weren't cheap even in the 1980s when Chinese antiquities were flooding out and fetching 1/10th of what they are today. Pricing cracked the same as whole ones, as I think these best demonstrate their ivory origins. 1284a 1284b 1284c 1284d 1284e | $95.00 |
 | 270 | Melon | Uniquely shaped bead made in China, or Chinese workers in Indonesia, likely 1800s. Found mainly in Irian Jaya. Singles: 270Aa; 270Ab | $27.50 |
| PADRES Chinese bead which travelled all over the world as part of the Spanish silver trade. Best known in North America where they were popular with Southwest US Amerinds, especially the turquoise blue color. Made ca. late 18th-early 19th C. by the primitive winding process. Strands typically contain true wound beads as well as later, more regular "tire" beads, but only the occasional seamed or prosser bead made in Bohemia. 8-10mm widths, usually 98-104 beads in a 24" strand. As supplies in Africa dry up, the strand length decreases, then it jumps back up to 24" with a price rise. | $15.00 | -->|||
 | 531WL | Padre: White, Long strands | Long strands, 148-150 beads per 36" strand. Sample strands shown. (Quantity price: $16.50 each per 3; OK to mix all colors / lengths for quantity pricing.) | $22.50 |
 | 531Wc | Padre: White, Clean | More scrubbed beads, also seem to be more of the off-white more regularly shaped variety, 22"strand. Sample 22" strands shown. (Quantity price: $11 each per 3; OK to mix all colors / lengths for quantity pricing.) | $15.00 |
 | 531R | Padre: | Red Standard size. Sample 22" strands shown. ( $14 each per 3+; OK to mix all colors / lengths for quantity pricing.) | $16.50 |
 | 531Y | Padre: | Yellow Standard size. Sample 22" strands shown. | 20.00 |
 | 531N | Padre: | Brownish Translucent Standard size. Sample 22" strands shown. | $27.50 |
 | 531Q | Padre: | Red Translucent Standard size. Sample 22" strands shown. ($26 each per 3+; OK to mix all colors / lengths for quantity pricing.) | $32.50 |
 | 531C | Padre: | Cobalt blue Standard size. Sample 22" strands shown. Note variation within strands, translucent blue to solid blacks. ($26 each per 3+; OK to mix all colors / lengths for quantity pricing.) | $32.50 |
| 559 | "Pink Padres" | Padre-style beads, Czech, probably fairly modern, found in the Africa trade, possibly for the Massai (Kenya) who favor pink. Also called "Cheyenne pinks." 559P) Wound, padre-sized (7-8mm widths) dark-pink, glossy beads, 22" strands, $11.00 each, $9/5+; 559M) Large-seed size, ±4mm width, paler pink, 20" strands $10 each, $7.50/5+ | $9.00 - 10.00 |
 | 605R | Czech Padre: Red | Bohemian molded beads imitating classic Chinese Padres. Most 8m wide. 26-28" strands. Lacking the charm of the crude, wound beads but with Padre prices on the rise again, a bargain. $ 9.50 each, 7.50 / 3+ | $9.50 |
 | 647 | Peking Glass, 1990s | Made for centuries, wound glass "Padre" in a variety of colors and sizes. Closing out last of a stock imported in 1980s-90s, when these simple beads still had the wound character. Strands: 647U) Blue speckled, ±11mm, 36"; 647G) Translucent green, ±9mm, 26"; Lot: 647L1) Broken strands, etc., at least 2 strands' worth $35 | $15.00 |
 | 1327 | Fossil Disk (Pi) | "Heaven was represented by the ancients in the tangible form of a perforated disk of jade. It was believed that such a token embodied the qualities of solar effulgence, and was closely connected with the powers of Heaven by means of its maagical properties, and therefore the Emperor, being the Son of Heaven, was able to commune and consult with Heaven through the medium o the jade disc." (C.A.S. Williams Outlines of Chinese Symbolism and Art Motives p.235. Offered here are MODERN pieces in black agate, 45mm (1.75") wide, crowded with small marine(?) fossils. Called Gemstone Donuts in jewelry trade. No two are alike. ($39 for 10) | $5.00 |
 | 1068 | Enamel Lot | Chinese or Thai?, bright, fancy modern, lot of (9) each of 13 different types, plus 9 metal, total 126 beads. | $82.00 |
| 451 | Tradewind | The major trade bead of the Srivijaya and Majopahit Empires, it still serves as a store of wealth in Timor, Flores & Sumba, called Mutisalah ("False pearls"), or "Tradewind beads" by collectors. Strands: 451Ra) Brick red, 3-5.5mm widths, 24" strand $50; 451Ba) Black, 3-11mm widths, 22" strand $95 | $25.00+ |
 | 1234 | Indonesian blues | Roughly round, ±12-13.5mm widths, range from solid cobalt to pale, translucent blues. Well worn, but mostly undamaged. If you are familiar with Opate or "Dutch Dogon" beads, these may appeal. Singles: 1234 1234U) Cobalt Blue $2.25 each, $1.65/3+, $1.25/10+; 1234G) Blue-Green $1.25 each, $1.00/3+, $.85/10+, OK to mix for quantity discount Strands: 1234a 1234b 1234c 1234d 1234f 28", $35.00/strand | $2.50 / 35.00 |
| SEED & SMALL | ||||
| 940 | Medieval: Small, Mixed Colors | Glass & Stone, some weathering but mostly bright colors, strung in the 1990s. Mostly under 5mm widths. These days strands tend to be more sorted and uniform. Last of a large lot: 940A) Smallest, 22" strands; 940B) Small, 26" strands; 940C) Larger, mostly blue, 26+" strands. Sample strands shown. OK to mix with other 940 colors for best discount: $19.00 each; $17/3+; $14.50/10+ | $14.50 - 19.00 |
| 940W | Medieval: Small White | Medieval beads found in Mali & region, most or all stone. Mixed whites, clears, some chalky or colored, but fairly consistent from strand to strand. Widths ±3.5-5mm. Sample strands shown. OK to mix with other 940 colors for best discount: $19.00 each; $17/3+; $14.50/10+ | $19.00 |
| 940U | Medieval: Small Blue | Medieval beads found in Mali & region. Blue glass, mostly 3-4mm wide but variable shapes and sizes. Mostly well worn, some chalky. Sample 22-24" strands shown. $19.50 each; $14.50 /3+ | $13.50 - 18.50 |
| 940EF | Medieval: Weathered Gray | Medieval beads found in Mali & region. Probably blue & green originally, but weatherized to gray. 940E Light to medium grays, mostly 3-5mm $17.00 each; $13.50/3+; $11.50/10+. 940F Mostly gray, but slightly larger, more varied shapes, and some colored mixed in. $18.00 each; $14.50/3+; $12.50/10+ Sample 23-24" strands shown. | $11.50 - 18.00 |
| 200 | Excavated Terracotta | From the medieval site of Djenné in Niger on the Timbuctu trade route, excavated terracotta beads 500-800 years old. In various earth colors, tubes of varying lengths which appear to be individual "seed" sized beads. Cheap because there is little jewelry demand. Generally cleaned, but small soil traces remain. Bundle of 100 strands $250; $50/ 10 strands. Single 32" strand: | $7.50 |
| 203 | Excavated Terracotta | Off-white, Large From Djenné region, roughly round or biconal beads, sometimes mixed with short tubes which appear to be 2-4 conjoined single beads. These are whiter, larger, and more separated (vs tubes) than the commoner "200" beads offered above. Varied Strands: 203g 203h 26", $15.00 each | $15.00 |
 | 944 | Tiny Seed | Various shades and shapes of BLUE beads, mostly 2-2.5mm widths, from Ghana. Per 22+" Strand: $4.00; 3.00/5+; 2.50/20+; $2.00/50+. OK to mix Seeds & white hearts (944-945-946-947) for larger quantity discount. | $2.00 - 4.00 |
 | 945 | Small Seed | Seed beads from the Ghana trade, mostly 3-3.5mm widths, 22+" strands. Your choice 945A Tael blue NOW SOLD OUT, or 945B Striped blue & white. Per-1 $5.00; 4.00/5+; 3.00/20+; $3.00/50+. OK to mix Seeds & white hearts (944-945-946-947) for larger quantity discount. 945L1) Lot of 4 misc strands $15 | $3.00 - 5.00 |
 | 946 | Large Seeds | Bohemia/Venice, irregular, wound-looking, ±4.0-4.5mm widths, from the Africa trade (mainly Ghana). Easier to work with than smaller seeds & better character than new Czech or Indian beads. Samples SHOWN. Colors available, mix or match for discounts. Strands: 946W) Milk White; 946F) Polished/Dirty White; 946Y) Yellow; 946B) Sky Blue; 946T) Teal Blue; 946G) Green; 946H) Green (rounds); 946Q) Purple/Cobalt (rounds); 946P Pink (rounds); 946N) Brown; 946K) Black; The "rounds" are slightly smaller (3.8-4.2mm) & rather regular. Per 22+" Strand: $4.00; 3.25/5+; 2.50/20+; $1.75/50+. OK to mix Seeds & white hearts (944-945-946-947) for larger quantity discount. | $1.75 - 4.50 |
| 947 | White Heart Seeds | Translucent colored shells over white cores create a glow that solid color beads lack. From the Africa trade (mainly Ghana), possibly Venice or China origin? Samples SHOWN. Colors available, mix or match for discounts. 947R Red ±4.6mm width; 947Y Yellow ±4.6mm width; 947X Yellow ±3.5mm width (21" strand); 947C Blue tiny 2x2.6mm (20" strand) Per 22+" Strand: $5.00; 4.25/5+; 3.75/20+; 3.25/50+ OK to mix Seeds & white hearts (944-945-946-947) for larger quantity discount. Others sell these at $8/strand. | $3.25 - 5.00 |
 | 1155 | Purple Seed Lot | About 2mm width, 240" total on 12 loops. Origin unknown - from storage locker find. Entire lot: | $30.00 |
 | 566 | Seed, Smaller | Lowest value & commonest trade beads, made in Europe, China, India, etc. 566M) Mixed colors & sizes, mostly ±3mm width, includes white hearts, 26+" strands, probably from Thailand trade $4 each/5+; 566W) White, either ±2mm or ±3mm, 24+mm strands $4 each/5+, OK to mix 566M, 566W; 566L1) Lot of 5 strands, mixed red, yellow, blue, ±3-5mm widths, 22+mm strands, probably Chinese from Thai trade, Lot $25 | $4.00+ |
| 257 | White Heart: Tiny Seed | Newly made, tiny Seed-bead sized, under 2m wide. 257Q) Darker red beads. Over 400 beads per 24" strand. Each $4.50, 3.50/3+, $2.50/10+; 257N) Bright red, Thread-strung hank of 200 grams, about 9000 beads! $42.50 | $2.50 / 42.50 |
| 1208 | Massai Blues | Plain, matte larger-than-seed reputedly traded to the Massai. Blues are Venetian. Widths about 5-5.5mm, 21-22" strands, great variety of shapes (advise if you have a preference). The blues are a particularly lovely shade. 1208B Pale blue, 1208K Black SOLD. Mix or match, $9 each, $8/3+ | $9.00 |
| 1000 | Layered Roughs | From Gambia, typical matte surfaces of "pop bottle" beads in dark colors with some translucency. Held to the light, there are irregular bands of translucent & dark within each bead; over-bright scan to show this. Widths ±5mm, 22" strands. Set of Red, Purple, Brown $22.50; Purple or Brown, each $13.50 | $13.50 |
| 529 | Fulane | Small cane-cut barrels in dark blue / purple. Some color variation - lighter blues through black - in some strands. 529B) ±3x3mm, 22-24" strands $3.00 529N) Barrels 3-4m wide. Dark to light purple variants as shown in scan. 22-24" strands $3.00 (or 2.50 each per 3 or more) | $3.00 - 5.00 |
| 752 | Lemon Drops | Bright lemon-yellow bicones, ±7x5mm. 28" strands | $11.00 |
| 1061 | Dogbone (Dumbell) | Small molded, nesting, pinched-center lozenges, ±4x8.5mm. Scarce and distinctive type. Red: 1061Ra 1061Rb 1061Rc 1061Rd ($45) 1061Re 22" strands, $35.00 unless noted Yellow: 1061Ya 1061Yb 1061Yc 1061Yd 1061Ye Yellow, mixed opaque & translucents, $35.00 each | $35.00 |
| 603 | Rat's Dung | Small, crude, roughly ellipsoid Dutch beads called Gajahkuro (Rat's dung) in Ghana, Aramissi in Nigeria. Wound manufacture, likely pre-1900. Strands: 603Y) Yellow, ±6-8x3-4mm, 22" strands $14.50 Each; 603W) White, ±6-7x3-3.5mm $14.50 Each | $14.50 |
| 604 | Rat's Dung / Rice: Red | Small, crude, roughly ellipsoid Dutch beads called Gajahkuro (Rat's dung) in Ghana, Aramissi in Nigeria, or Rice Beads. Reds of unknown origin: 604R) Bright red opaques, widths ±5-6mm, shape somewhat variable, found in Ghana trade, $9.00 / 22" strand | $9.00 / 13.50 |
| 1073 | Turkana | Small, rounded-end barrels in blue or red 24" strands. 5-6mm size, dirty as worn. Traded to the Turkana of Kenya. Order 1073R = Red, 1073B = Blue. | $10.00 |
| 559 | "Pink Padres" | Padre-style beads, Czech, probably fairly modern, found in the Africa trade, possibly for the Massai (Kenya) who favor pink. Also called "Cheyenne pinks." 559P) Wound, padre-sized (7-8mm widths) dark-pink, glossy beads, 22" strands, $11.00 each, $9/5+; 559M) Large-seed size, ±4mm width, paler pink, 20" strands $10 each, $7.50/5+ | $9.00 - 10.00 |
| 846 | Small Pink | Molded round 5mm beads. This is the color favored by the Massai. $4.50 each per 3+; Single 21" Strand: | $6.00 |
| 1204 | Little Clears | Transparent drawn beads, 5-10mm, various shapes: ellipsoid, round, square, faceted. Called "Abyssinia" beads, but found in Burkina Faso. Samples shown, let me know your shape preference. 22-24" Strands: $10 each, $8.50/3+, $7/10+ | $10.00 |
| 1208 | Massai Blues | Plain, matte larger-than-seed reputedly traded to the Massai. Blues are Venetian. Widths about 5-5.5mm, 21-22" strands, great variety of shapes (advise if you have a preference). The blues are a particularly lovely shade. 1208B Pale blue, 1208K Black SOLD. Mix or match, $9 each, $8/3+ | $9.00 |
| 588 | Sokingkode | Tubular translucent Red. Called Sokingkode in Ghana. Bright (24") or Dark (22") Red strands. Beads 4m wide, 7-8m long. | $11.00 |
 | 705 | Sexual Readiness Belt | Multiple strands of graduated length with tiny beads, worn about the waist as a seductive cache-sexŽ by women in the Ghana-Ivory Coast border regions as a hint to husbands that the time is right. Nceklaces: 705d) Green 37 strands 35+", 16.5 beads/inch, ±21K beads, 9.5Oz. $48.50; 705e) Orange 74 strands 29.5+", 16.5 beads/inch, ±35.5K beads, 15Oz. $90.00; 705g) Blue 115 strands 35+", 18.5 beads/inch, ±74K beads, 275Oz. $110.00 | $40.00 - 110.00 |
| 1040 | Tile Beads | Small tubes with burnt-red exterior over darker core. Traded to the Naga and Chin peoples of NW Burma and NE India. Typical sizes are 3x8mm and 4x5mm for two sample strands shown. These are from an importer's stash from the 1990s or earlier; I can't find them offered online. They don't come up in the Africa trade. 34" strands: $6.00 each; 4.50/3, 3.75/10, 3.00/50; Set of thick & thin strands, $10 | $3.00 - 6.00 |
| 451 | Tradewind | The major trade bead of the Srivijaya and Majopahit Empires, it still serves as a store of wealth in Timor, Flores & Sumba, called Mutisalah ("False pearls"), or "Tradewind beads" by collectors. Strands: 451Ra) Brick red, 3-5.5mm widths, 24" strand $50; 451Ba) Black, 3-11mm widths, 22" strand $95 | $25.00+ |
 | 1150 | Crafter Mixes | From a storage locker find in Indiana that included many trade beads, these are the broken strands, or remainders that looked inexpensive or modern to me. 1150a) Glass, bone, turquoise. 1.5 Lb in plastic bags $75; 1150b Whites 6 oz $25; 1150c Modern? Grand mixture, 43oz $50; 1150d Modern? Grand mixture, 29oz $35; 1150e Seed & micro beads 5.5oz $20; 1150f Older beads, 6+oz. Lot: $55; 1150g Czech, Asian, etc., 12oz. Lot: $45 | $25.00+ |
| NECKLACES & BELTS< | ||||
| Bead strands from Africa are made from broken-down necklaces processed into strands of all-alike or similar value beads. Below are authentic "natural" necklaces, old and new, reflecting traditional styles. Trade beads are used, but mostly later Czech types and seed beads. The typical 24" strand will fit over your head, and the stringing material is usually sturdy, if not elegant. | ||||
 | 860 | Stone Necklace | As-worn necklace with bone button & string clasp, various hard stones including agate, plain black bead spacers. Uncleaned, originally-strung necklaces are almost impossible to find, so I have left this dirty. | $60.00 |
| 784N | Bloodstone Necklaces | Old Carnelian agate beads, translucent with red hues, traded from India to Nigeria. These look like natural necklaces, complete with fraying fabric & gold-thread stops and brass findings, restrung on fish line. 26" Strands: 784Na 784Nb | $45.00 |
| 1190 | Black Coral Necklaces | Natural black coral in varous shapes with silver nails inlaid. Supplier says "1000 year old Islamic prayer beads" but other sellers follow Dubin's info: made in Istanbul 1800s, traded to Yemen. Quantities on the market now due to the war there. I picked some nice ones and got a good price. Singles: 1190) Round, mostly 6-7mm, average 1.2gm, showing wear, many with 1-3 pins missing, Samples shown, $10 each, $8/3+, $6.50/5+, $5/12+ Strands: Offered @ $4/gm, including string weight 1190a 50.85gm, $228; 1190c 47.5gm, $214 ; 1190d 30.5gm, $137 | $10.00 / 137.00+ |
 | 781 | Ethiopia Necklace | Long necklaces of traditional composition (restrung) including copper coils, hollow beads & tubes of 'German silver', pendants of bone or aluminum. some later Czech beads, and - most interesting - Dutch "Dogon" and an unusual variety of German "Donut" beads. I wish I knew the story behind these necklaces, the meaning behind the arrangement of elements. Necklaces available: 781b | $42.50 |
| 1272 | Ethiopia Silver Tube Necklace | Seamed bicone tubes (±16x5mm) of "coin silver" strung as necklace with pendant bead (±42x5mm) & dyed cloth tassles. a.k.a. Mala. Fineness uncertain but better than most Ethiopian objects. Age unknown but not current. Hand made, but all very similar so showing two 36" Samples. | $65.00 |
| 1274 | Ethiopian Prayer Beads | Made by Ethiopian silversmiths and called Musbaha. Hollow, silver-plated (or white metal) beads (66-68) with endpiece and colorful yarn tassels. Newly made versions of older silver beads. Wearable, but should be restrung on better cord. 42" Strands. ($9 ea. per 3+) | $11.50 |
| 1189 | Fancy Silvers | Fancy, hollow, seamed white-metal (probably plated copper) necklaces, not very heavy. Supplier says found in Ethiopia but could be from Yemen. Probably new, but hand-made & antiqued. Strands: Melon shape: 1189M Beads ±7.5x12mm, wide holes; Ellipsoids: 1189E) Beads ±15x11mm, detailed patterns, smaller holes | $55.00 |
 | 702 | Brass Bicones, old | Fulani, Nigeria: Quite variable crude beads, mostly 8-12mm wide & long, uncleaned. Perhaps as-worn necklaces, some with bells / pendants. Hard to find now. Strands: 702a) Beads, 26" strand $50 ; 702b) Beads, 26" strand $50; 702c) Beads, 26" strand $50 702d) Beads, large bells, 30" strand $70 ; 702e) Beads (some iron), bells, pendants 24" strand $60; 702f) Beads, hollow, 9mm wide, broken string $15 | $50.00+ |
| 810 | Natural Moulay Necklaces | As-found(?) necklaces worn by Fulani and Kambari women in Niger State, Nigeria, ca early 1800s. African-made brass Moulay beads alternate with (usually) red European beads. Most beads out of Africa are "processed" from natural necklaces into all-alike strands, so finding necklaces as they were actually worn is unusual. Each is diferent. Necklaces: 810e 20", flatter beads, $53.50; 810c 22", $59.50; 810d 20", flatter beads, $53.50 | $53.50+ |
 | 2188 | Fulani Tcherot | Impressive large metallic breastplate / pendant on black twine; square with concave sides & protruding pyramid. Complex design with copper, brass, and nickel-alloy inlays incorporates the three colors thought to have curative properties. About 4.75 x 4.5". 2188c | $52.50 |
 | 847W | Baule Brass Textured | Necklace of round, hollow brass beads with lovely basket-weave pattern, and huge 57mm pendant bead, 22" length. Baule people of eastern Nigeria. | $65.00 |
| 858 | Baule Brass Openwork | Newly made with bead spacers, wearable as necklace, or use as pendants. 30" Strands: 858a) Round, 24mm, 20/strand, wheat-grain pattern; 858b) Ellipsoid, 30mm, 17/strand, wheat-grain pattern; 858c) Roundish, 30mm, 17/strand, rope design, two types. Each: | $34.50 |
 | 743 | Cosmology Beads | Baule. Ivory Coast: Modern necklaces with modern brass charms & bead spacers: 743a Round 20x11mm, 28" strand; 743d Round 36x24mm, 32" strand; 743r 3Cosmos 22x17mm, 23" strand no spacers; 743q 3Cosmos 15x11mm, 32" strand; 743p 3Cosmos 15x11mm, 26" strand. Your choice or mix: $17.50 Each / 3+, or | $20.00 |
| 743Z | Baule Cosmology Pendants | Strung necklaces, possibly as-worn, with 10 different brass charms spaced with beads, 30" strand. Each charm 65x50mm. Newly made. Sample shown. | $36.50 |
| 896 | Yoruba Gilded Necklaces | Complex multi-strand chains, clasps, and fancy pendants in bright brass, simulating gold. Much more crafted than most African metal-work, and no two alike. Hanging length given in each photo. Available: 896a 896f 896c 896d 896e | $35.00 |
| 897 | Yoruba Metal Necklaces | Highly variable assemblies of tubes, rounds, beads, etc. No two similar. Much more crafted than most African metal-work. Hanging length given in each photo. Available: 897a $30.00; 897g $25.00; 897h $25.00; 897j $25.00; 897e $22.50; 897k $25.00 | $20.00 - 30.00 |
 | 786 | Bell & Money Necklace | The Fulani have a number of traditional necklace styles. I do not know the purpose of this one, but they feature cowries and British West Africa. 1/10 Pennies, both small monies, along with "cosmos bells" and small cane-cut beads. Long 20" Necklaces: 786a 786b 786d | $47.50 |
 | 711 | Fulani Money Necklace | Fulani have a number of traditional necklace styles. I do not know the purpose of this one, but they feature cowries and British West Africa 1/10 Pennies, both small monies, along with "cosmos bells" and small cane-cut beads. Necklaces, about 36", are new; their components older. Necklaces: 711a 711b 711c 711d 711j 711k 711g & $22.50 each BULK: Same as photo'd examples but my choice $15 each /3+ | $22.50 |
| 1034 | Big Bells & Bones Necklace | Large, old well-worn brass bells with dyed(?) brown reptile(?) bone spacers. About half have clappers, and bells clang together to produce a lovely sound. Necklaces: 1034a) "Liberty" bell shape, widths & lengths 34-45mm, high tinkling sound ; 1034b) Cosmos design, larger than usual, widths 24-32mm; midrange "cowbell" tone. | $100.00 |
| 969 | Fulani Pendant Beads | Large hollow bronze beads with cosmos designs. Supplier says necklace of 24 was worn by village chiefs. Obvious age; item 854 below is a modern (inferior) copy. Scans at 300%. Singles & Lots: 969S2, $20; 969S3, $17.50; 969S4, $13.50; 969L2 2 large $45.00; 969L3 2 pieces, $37.50; 969L4 2 matched, $27.50; 969L5 4 different, $65; 969L7 3 poorer, $29.50; Strands: 969a $325 | $13.50 - 325.00 |
| 854 | Fulani Openwork Brass | Larger Hollow, open-worked brass beads with Cosmos design, polished. Rounds are 32-35mm, triangles are 52mm tall. Large enough to use as pendants. Fulani ofIvory Coast Strands: 854c 28mm, 21 beads, $55; 854e 34mm, 20 beads, $655; 854p 55x40mm triangular, 15 beads, $65 | $55.00+ |
| 1018 | Bidda Wire Coils | Nigeria. Iron wire wound in 18-20mm flexible coils, 3.3mm width, bright red bead spacers. Newly made, 23" strands. Samples shown. ($12/ 3+, $9/10+) | $16.50 |
| 1030 | Big "Top" Necklace | Hand-crafted large hollow bicones (37-41x29-32mm) with alternating rings of copper and brass, simple stippled decoration, much like an old fashioned "spinning top" toy. Shows wear. Green vaseline spacers. | $125.00 |
| 660 | Ghana Pop Mix | Necklaces of modern Ghana types and older trade beads. Every one different. At this price, showing just a couple of samples. Single 24" necklace: | $15.00 |
| 705 | Sexual Readiness Belt | Multiple ±36" strands of graduated length with tiny beads, worn about the waist as a seductive cache-sexŽ by women in the Ghana-Ivory Coast border regions as a hint to husbands that the time is right. Necklaces: 705d) Green 37 strands 35+", 16.5 beads/inch, ±21K beads, 9.5Oz. $48.50; 705e) Orange 74 strands 29.5+", 16.5 beads/inch, ±35.5K beads, 15Oz. $90.00; 705g) Blue 115 strands 35+", 18.5 beads/inch, ±74K beads, 275Oz. $110.00 | $40.00 -110.00 |
| 707 | Mauritania Necklace | Modern composition using old trade beads, some newer beads, shells, spindle-whorls, etc. Simple bead clasp. These weigh over 1 Lb. each! Scan shows both sides. Strands: 707d 707e 707k 707L | $82.50 |
| 680 | Faith Necklace | Based on early carnelian necklaces worn by the first Muslim converts in Saharan Africa, these are now called "Hajj beads" showing that the wearer has made a pilgrimage to Mecca. Ruby red glass with about 42 flat coin-like beads and one or two heart-shaped pendants. c. 1800-1850? The smaller beads read Mohammed or Allahu / Akbar or pictorial stars & crescent; the pendants Allah Hasbi. Necklaces: Two-pendants A: 42 beads, mixed inscriptional & pictorial: 680B1 680B2 680B3 680B4 680B5 $27 each Two pendants B: 42 beads, all-inscriptional: 680CB1 680CB2 680CB3 680CB4 $29 each Two-pendants, 42 beads, all pictorial: 680D1 680D2 680D3 680D4 $29 each Single Pendant: but 44 beads 680H1 680H2 680H3 680H4 680H5 $27.00 each; Unusuals: 680Z1 Odd pendant, chipped $27 Discount: Any 3 necklaces $24.50 each, 6+ / $20 | $20.00 - 29.00 |
| 928 | Wooden Prayer Beads | Islamic prayer beads from Mali. Very hard, dark wood with inlaid aluminum bands. Newly made. Strands: 928b) 10-114mm widths, with pendant & toggles, 28" strand | $27.50 |
 | 832 | Ivory Necklace | Necklace of 11 tubular beads (22mm long), 7 triangular ( look flat in this 2 dimensional scan) beads (25-30mm long), and 6 small spacer beads. Not sure what kind of ivory this is, or where made. From a 1970s-80s collection of worldwide "primitive" money | $100.00 |
| 1151 | Amerind beadwork | From a storage locker find in Indiana Amerind-style beadwork, some needing repair, all fragile. Scanned at 150%: 1151a); Four mini wampum belts or necklaces - one with large leather-backed pendant - and a bone amulet, lot: $40; 1151b Three necklaces, each 18" long, Lot: $30 | $30.00+ |
| 1639 | Ostrich Eggshell Belt | Massai, East Africa, Belt of thin, blonde leather with ostrich eggshell beads stitched in three rows, seed beads at ends. Length 34" + tie fringes. Pliable and wearable, but should be treated with preservative. | $75.00 |
| 1638 | Ostrich Eggshell Loincloth | Turkana Tribe. Money-belt loincloth with thin leather panel, strung units of ostrich eggshell beads & leather ties. The beads are properly grungy, as they circulated as money, vs. the cleaned up ones sold in the bead trade. 123 units of about 24 beads, 28" long end to cup bottom, 28.5 oz. Probably for ceremonial wealth-display rather than everyday use. No evident damage, but should be treated as fragile. | $250.00 |
| PENDANTS (& charms, amulets, rings, bells, etc.) | ||||
| This section includes large beads which can be used as central elements in a necklace, as well as looped bells and charms. Additional CHARMS can be found on a special page. | ||||
| 230 | Talhakimt Pendants (Glass) | Large, flat European-made glass pendant-beads copying metal & stone pieces used by the Tuaregs of the northern Sahara & often considered currency at that time. a.k.a. Niger glass, Zinder beads. About 55x35mm. A detergent soak will remove oils. Samples shown of colors available. Per bead: $10.00; Green only, $8.50/3+, $7.25/10+ | $10.00 |
| 230Z | Talhakmit Plastic | Look just like the glass versions but these are plastic. Set of three colors. | $17.50 |
| 233 | Talhakimt Pendant, Agate | European-made for export to Africa, lovely reddish translucent stone. I was able to pick fully intact (minor chips at most) pieces from a large lot at a great price. Lengths: B=62-67mm, D=80-87, F=90-98, H=99-110mm, K=Largest. Scans at 200%. 233B1 233B2 233B3 233B4 233B5 233B7 233B8 233B9 $16.50 each 233D1 233D3 233D4 233D5 233D14 233D15 $18.50 each 233F1 233F3 233F4 233H1 233H3 233H5 233H6 233H16 233H22 $22.50 each | 16.50 - 22.50 |
| 778 | Agate, White | Huge glass beads traded to the Yoruba, who call them Sakia. Milky white, semi-translucent with veins, they do look like stone. Good value in a large bead. Good central bead or pendant for a necklace. 28+" Strands: 778e; 778h; 778r; 778n; 778q $57.50 each
Slightly shorter strands: 778k; 778L $49.50 each; Discount: 15% for 3+ strands | $49.50 - 57.50 |
| 878 | Earlier Gige? | Simak, African Beads, p.135-138 says that Gige beads, molded from bottle glass, were first made in the 1990s, but my supplier dates these to c. 1900-1920, northern Nigeria. Slightly translucent, rough-surfaced, dark caramel color, almost look black. ±17x35mm, big enough for pendants. Singles: 878) $7.50 each, $6.00/3+ | $7.50 |
| 931 | Huge Beads | Matte-surface, semi-tanslucent beads given roundish shape by turning in moulds while cooling. Mostly 30-31mm wide, large holes. Called Gige beads, made since 1990s. See Simak African Beads, p.135-138. Appear black, but light blue when held to light. Green avbailable also. 28 beads per 28" strand. | $28.50 |
| 1066a | Yoruba Gorget Necklace | Nigeria: Yoruba village chief's badge of office, according to supplier, tho another online listing says "Nupe." Huge brass gorget and brass beads, all well-made and showing age. I bought one of these in the early 90s with very plain brass beads and saw another two years ago, asking price $1200. Gorgets: 1066a) ±130mm (5") across plus 30 large, fancy brass beads; top portion, $500; 1066e) Gorget ±120mm (4.75") across plus 34 large, plain brass beads, all well-made and showing age. This was the first I bought, in the early 90s, $500 (See stock #969 for beads without gorget) | $500.00 |
| 854 | Fulani Hollow Brass | Newly made, polished brass hollow beads with Cosmos design. Large enough to use as pendants. Strands: 854c 28mm, 21 beads, $55; 854e 34mm, 20 beads, $655; 854p 55x40mm triangular, 15 beads, $65 | $55.00+ |
| 858 | Baule Brass Openwork | Newly made with bead spacers, wearable as necklace, or use as pendants. 30" Strands: 858a) Round, 24mm, 20/strand, wheat-grain pattern; 858b) Ellipsoid, 30mm, 17/strand, wheat-grain pattern; 858c) Roundish, 30mm, 17/strand, rope design, two types. Each: | $34.50 |
| 1030 | Big "Top" Necklace | Hand-crafted large hollow bicones (37-41x29-32mm) with alternating rings of copper and brass, simple stippled decoration, much like an old fashioned "spinning top" toy. Shows wear. Green vaseline spacers. | $125.00 |
 | 2174 | Tuareg Pendant | Graceful pendants, mostly 55-90mm (2.5-4") tall. Probably nickel, though some show testing for silver alloy and they have a very silver-like appearance. Show age & wear. Shown 150% for clarity of detail. Back designs are similar to front unless noted "blank." Available: 2174a 2174b 2174c 2174d 2174e 2174f 2174g $38.50 each; Later pieces: 2174Ja) $30; 2174Jb) $22.50; 2174Jc) $25.00; 2174Jd) $30 | $38.50 |
 | 2173 | Tuareg Pendant Choker | Large white-metal pendants, 105-115mm (4.5") tall. Short, attractive bead & metal chokers with clasp. Hand-made with aged look, but probably new. Each only slightly different, so Samples shown of each style. $25 each, or $20/3+. | 25.00 |
 | 2176 | Tuareg Pendant | Long pendants, called Assrou n'swoul, used as veil weights, 220-250mm (8.5-10") tall. Complex pieces with brass base, copper and nickel elements added, with etching; back sides are plain. Show some age; white crud is polishing paste. Shown 100%. 2176a 2176b 2176c 2176s 2176e; 2176f 2176g 2176h 2176j 2176k 2176L 2176m 2176n 2176p 2176q 2176r Each: $45; $37.50 / 3+. Very Long: 2176Za 2176Zb 2176Zc $50 each | $45.00 |
| 2177 | Tuareg Pendant | Medium pendants, called Assrou n'swoul, used as veil weights, 120mm (5") tall. Complex pieces with brass base, copper and nickel elements added, with etching; back sides are plain. Show some age. Shown 150% for detail. Available: 2177f 2177b 2177c 2177d 2177g | $37.50 |
 | 2178 | Tuareg Hairpiece | Long, parachute-shaped brass with copper & white-metal overlays to create color contrast; etched designs. Probably contemporary, show wear and cleaning. Shown 150% for detail. $27.50 each; $22.50/3+ Available: 2178a 2178b 2178c 2178d 2178e 2178f 2178g 2178h | $27.50 |
 | 2171 | Tuareg Hair Rings | Red carnelian stone, or green glass set in etched ring base of white metal. Age unknown, but obviously well used. For gathering hair braids, or as pendant in hair or necklace; mostly too small for wearing on finger. Your choice: Row-A $22.50; Row-B $19.50; Row-C $16.50; Row-D $13.50 | $13.50 - 22.50 |
| 2188 | Fulani Tcherot | Impressive large metallic breastplate / pendant on black twine; square with concave sides & protruding pyramid. Complex design with copper, brass, and nickel-alloy inlays incorporates the three colors thought to have curative properties. About 4.75 x 4.5". 2188c | $52.50 |
 | 2175 | Tuareg Tcherot | Box-like charm box containing Koranic verses, worn by both men and women. Modern version probably tin alloy. About 70mm (2.5-3") square. Backs are plain. Shown 150%. Available: 2175a 2175b 2175c 2175d | $36.50 |
 | 2172 | Tuareg Earrings | Large hoop earrings with complex decorated faceted ends, similar to the old money manillas. Mali & Niger, local name tsabit, probably in current use, show wear. I assume little or no silver, but they look like they are. Scans at 200% still do not show the nice detailing of the decorations, or the bottoms. Singles: 2172a; 2172b; 2172c; 2172d; 2172g $26.50 each; Pairs: 2172Pa 2172Pb 2172Pc $47.50/pair | $26.50 / 47.50 |
 | 2166 | Tuareg Zinder Cross Ring | Distinctively shaped white metal ring-with cross, lost wax. Most 33-50mm (around 1.5") tall. The exact style identifies the wearer's region (Zinder, or other) and the earlier silver ones (from MT Thalers) were often bartered for cattle. Today they are worn as pendants by children. Most are too small to wear as finger rings. Shown at 200%, order by row / column. $23.50 each, $21 each/3+ | $23.50 |
 | 2165 | Tuareg Silver Ring | Rounded crown. Found only one like these with image search, so possibly an unusual style. These are fine silver, possibly from Maria Theresa Talers. Size shown with each, at 250%. Priced mainly by weight. Available: 2165a $45; 2165b $80; 2165c $47.50; 2165d $37.50; 2165e $52.50 | $35.00 - 80.00 |
 | 2169 | Niger Ring | Finger rings, white metal, geometrical etched designs on face & sides, mostly adjustable bands. Appear to be well-used. Shown at 250%. Available: Square faced: 2169a 2169b 2169c 2169d 2169e 2169f 2169g 2169h 2169j 2169k 2169L 2169m 2169n $17.50 each; Non-square faces: 2169Aa 2169Ab 2169Ac 2169Ad 2169Ae $20 each | $17.50 - 20.00 |
 | 2168 | Nose Rings | Fulani and/or Tuareg, Niger/Mali. Can be worn as rings. Well-used white-metal or bronze, variety of styles and sizes. Shown at 200%. Available: 2168a; $40; 2168L $30; 2168b $22.50; 2168n $22.50; 2168m $22.50; 2168e 2168f 2168g 2168h 2168j 2168k $20.00 each; 2168TV) Spiral Style, $17.50 each; 2168WY Solid Style, $17.50 each; 2168Z Later? Lighter weight spiral style, $14.50 each | $14.50 - 40.00 |
| 863 | Fulani Hairpieces | Braid-gather coils of aluminum and copper. Mostly well worn. Hausa and Fulani peoples of Nigeria. Strung on old cloth, apparently worn as a belt or sash. Combination of yellow and white metals was thought to ward off illness. 33" Strands: 863a) 31 wire coils, 30x22mm, aluminum & copper | $75.00 |
| 852 | Braid Gatherers | Tubular brass with complex designs, almost no two alike, typically 36x15mm. Used for holding and decorating hair braids. Kambari people, Niger State of Nigeria. Strung on cloth. Singles/Lots: at 300% 852L1 $15; 852L3 $15; 852L4 $25; 852L5 $30; 852L6 $40; 852L7 $20; | $15.00 |
| 1189 | Fancy Silvers | Fancy, hollow, seamed white-metal (probably plated copper) necklaces, not very heavy. Supplier says found in Ethiopia but could be from Yemen. Probably new, but hand-made & antiqued. Strands: Melon shape: 1189M Beads ±7.5x12mm, wide holes; Ellipsoids: 1189E) Beads ±15x11mm, detailed patterns, smaller holes | $55.00 |
| 226 | Dorome Rings | Cast brass ring used as fare tokens for donkey carts, Dorome Tribe, Nigeria. According to Dillingham (D26#28) the drivers turned them in to the chiefs, who held the concession, and were paid in bracelets. Thus an ethnographic token rather than an ethnographic money, and possibly unique as such? Rings joined together by a leather strip forming a belt served as a badge of office for the cart drivers. From a large purchase I sorted out varieties. Singles 226a) Stippled Cross-hatching produces tiny raised diamonds on top surface. Largest, heaviest, best made variety, usually unworn, so perhaps most modern. Avg. 16.5gm, most 28-31mm $5.50 226c) Patterned Mixed stipples and oblique cuts, a pattern seen on some bracelets. Some casting roughness & wear. Avg. 12.75gm, most 25.5-30mm $5.00 226e) Hatched Simple oblique cuts. Thinner, lighter & often well-worn, possibly oldest variety. Avg. 9.25gm, most 27-31mm $5.00 226ce) Worn Well-worn examples of Patterned and Hatched varieties, y;our choice. $4.00 226h) Plain Generally smaller than the patterned types & usually worn-looking. Some showing casting roughness. Possibly the oldest? $4.00 226n) Ridged Undecorated with pointed top & wide sides. Never found on the belts, so possibly not Dorome, but similar casting technique. Avg. 13gm, most 29-33mm $ 6.50 226s) Mini-collection One each of a, c, e, ce, n & r, and 2 different of h (8 pcs.) $34.50 Quantity: Types c, ce & h $3.00 ea./10, $2.50 ea./25+, others a bit more. | $3.50 - $100 |
| 226 | Dorome Belts | Cast brass rings used as fare tokens for donkey carts, Dorome Tribe, Nigeria. According to Dillingham (D26#28) the drivers turned them in to the chiefs, who held the concession, and were paid in bracelets. Rings joined together by a leather strip forming a belt served as a badge of office for the cart drivers. Belts: About 40 pieces 226Aa 226Ab 226Ac 226Ad $80 each; Long Belts: 80+ rings: 226Ra $165 | $80.00+ |
| 837 | Asanti Charm Beads | Newly made brass charm beads of various designs. Fair casting quality. Measurements in scan are (approximate) length x width / # per 20-24" strand. All have good-sized holes. Quantities are limited of some types. ("M" is Sold out) OK to mix types for quantity discounts: $15.00 / strand, $12 / 3+, $10 / 10+ Per 10: | $15.00 |
| 867 | "Ring" Beads | Modern, hand-made metal beads imitating a traditional finger ring often worn as a necklace pendant. Bicone shape, some size variation. Prices per-bead. b) Brass, range 17-22mm, $3 each, $2.50/3, $1.75/10+; n) Nickel, about 19-20mm $2 each, $1.50/3, $1.00/10+ | $3.00 |
 | 1510 | Kris Ring | The ceremonial kris sword had a relatively plain iron blade, but a very fancy, bejewelled handle including one or more rings. These are modern versions with plastic jewels. They may fit an adult pinky, or child's finger. Samples shown. | $4.00 |
| ETHIOPIAN COPTIC CROSS Pendants The Coptic Christian Church, though centered in Egypt, has many adherents in Ethiopia, where the distinctive styles of crosses traditionally worn by the faithful identify their home region in the Highlands. Silver crosses, often made from Maria Theresa talers, were worn for life, and repaired as needed. These silver ones are rarely found for sale in Africa now, but turn up on sites like Etsy. Also obviously old and less frequently found are large (100+mm) white-metal crosses, also well worn and sometimes repaired. Most often found today are smaller crosses in brass with white-metal plating. These are imported to the west as charms or necklace pendants; according to Wikipedia, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Keith Richards wear Ethiopian Coptic crosses! A character on the Showtime drama Black Sails episode 209 wears one. Modern versions of the larger processional (standing base, not looped) crosses also exist. | ||||
 | 2520 | Coptic Cross, Older Silver | Some age, and some (but probably not much) silver. I've handled the base-metal crosses for decades, but this is the first group of silvers I've been offered. There are two very different categories here, so check the R pieces as well as the A-K types. Scans are at 400%. Complex Crosses: 2520A1 $60; 2520A2 $52.50; 2520A4 $50 Simpler Crosses: 2520G1 2520G2 2520G3 2520G4 2520G5 $42.50 each; Diamond (cross): 2520K1 2520K2 2520K3 2520K4 2520K5 $32.50 each; Ornate Plaque Crosses, Larger: Reverse sides blank. (Images 300%) 2520R1 2520R2 2520R3 2520R4 $50.00 each; 2520R7 2520R8 2520R9 $42.50 each | $32.50+ |
 | 2524 | Coptic Cross, OLD White Metal | Large crosses in cupro-nickel(?), possibly the poor man's version of the traditional, smaller silvers, or a different region, as there are far fewer varieties. These appear well worn, and sometimes repaired, suggesting lifetime wear. Usually one side is detailed, the reverse plainer or worn. I priced worn or repaired ones the same as sharply detailed because, after all, what you are buying here is something that was a treasured object of devotion for someone, for a long time, and if it doesn't show that, what's the point? Shown 150% for detail, both sides. Heavier / Larger Thicker, ±105-120mm Tall 2524A1 2524A2 2524A3 2524A4 2524A5 2524A6 2524A7 2524A8 2524A9 2524A10 $28.50 Each Lighter / Smaller ±90-105mm, thinner 2524C1 2524C2 2524C3 2524C4 2524C5 2524C6 2524C7 2524C8 2524C9 $22.50 Each "Western" style Cross ±80-95mm tall 2524G1 2524G2 2524G3 2524G4 2524G5 2524G6 2524G7 2524G8 $30.00 each Lots: 2524L1 3 different $67.50; 2524L2 3 different $67.50; 2524L3 2 matched $55; 2524L4 2 "matched" $55; 2524L6 5 pieces $97.50 | 22.50+ |
 | 2501 | Coptic Crosses, Plated | Small: 35-50mm tall Looped, two-sided crosses in a wide variety of styles, worn by Coptic Christians in Ethiopia. Silver color & rough, hand-crafted look, tho modern made in brass coated with white metal. Single Crosses Check photos Rows 1-4 and Rows 5-8 and let me know which you would like. If you want a pair (or more) of "matched" pieces I will look thru my big box of these & try to please, but they are hand made, so no two completely alike. Prices: $7.50 each, $6/3+ Bulk If you want to buy blind, simply as-they-come, Prices: $25 for five different; 4.25/10+ mixed, 3.25/50+ | $3.25 - 7.50 |
 | 2514 | Coptic Crosses, Plated | Medium: 50-70mm tall Looped, two-sided crosses in a wide variety of styles, worn by Coptic Christians in Ethiopia. Silver color & rough, hand-crafted look, tho modern made in brass coated with white metal. Single Crosses Check photos Rows 1-3 and Rows 4-6 and Rows 7-9 and let me know which you would like. If you want a pair (or more) of "matched" pieces I will look thru my big box of these & try to please, but they are hand made, so no two completely alike. Prices: $8.50 each, $7/3+ Bulk If you want to buy blind, simply as-they-come, Prices: $30 for five different; 5.00/10+ mixed, 4.00/50+ | $4.00 - 8.50 |
 | 2516 | Coptic Crosses, Plated | Large: 70-100mm tall Looped, two-sided crosses in a wide variety of styles, worn by Coptic Christians in Ethiopia. Silver color & rough, hand-crafted look, tho modern made in brass coated with white metal. Single Crosses Check photos Rows 1-2 and Rows 3-4 and Rows 5-6 and Rows 7-8 and let me know which you would like. Prices: $14.50 each, $13/3+ | $14.50 |
 | 2192 | Ethiopia Telsum Amulets | Traditionally made by Oromo silversmiths of northern Ethiopia, prayer boxes (containing verses) warded against the evil eye (triangular) or the crescent moon (rounded). The squares (called Merugaf) and cylinders are of Coptic origin. Hand-crafted and toned but I would guess NO silver and only some of them show actual use. Often sold as "coin silver" or 19th century. Scans at 150% for detail. Sets of four: $22.00/set: 2192Ab 2192Ac 2192Ad 2192Ae 2192Af 2192Ag 2192Ah 2192Aj 2192Ak 2192Am 2192An Sets of three: $16.50/set: 2192Cn 2192Ck 2192Cc 2192Cm 2192Ce 2192Cf 2192Cg 2192Ch 2192Cj 2192Ck Singles: 2192T) Triangles (evil eye), your choice of TYPE but not particular specimen $6.50 2192M) Crescent (moon), your choice of TYPE but not particular specimen $6.50 2192U) Crescents: Fancy, your choice of TYPE but not particular specimen $8.50; 2192G) Cylinders, your choice of TYPE but not particular specimen $8.50; 2192Q) Rounds & Squares, your choice of TYPE but not particular specimen. Prices in photo. Quantity: 2192Sa) Strand of 34 pieces, mixed types $95; 2192L2) Lot of 25 pieces, some slightly crushed, or need loops straightened $50 | $6.50 - 22.00 |
| 2193 | Ethiopia Telsum Amulets | Large or Unusual specimens: 200% Enlarged Triangles: 2193Ta) $12.50; 2193Tb) $10.00; 2193Tc) $10.00; 2193Td) $10.00 Squares: 2193Qa) $10.00; 2193Qb) $8.50; 2193Qc) $15.00; 2193Qd) $10.00; 2193Qe) $8.50 ; 2193Qf) $10.00; 2193Qg) $7.50; 2193Qh) $10.00 Cylinders: 2193Ga) $10.00; 2193Gb) $12.00; 2193Gc) $10.00; 2193Gd) $8.50;2193Ge) $12.50; 2193Gf) $12.00; 2193Gg) $15.00 Rounds, etc. 2193Ma) $10.00; 2193Qt) $12.50; 2193Qu) flat $8.50 | $8.50+ |
 | 2210 | Ethiopia SILVER Ear Picks | Looped pendant ear spoons with variably shaped bodies. Older pieces with some silver content, mostly well worn. Mostly 60-90mm long, shown at 400%. I suppose wearing an ear pick around your neck is no stranger than having a handkerchief visible in your chest pocket? Lots of variety here. Round body: 2210A1 2210A2 2210A3 2210A4 2210A5 2210A6 2210A7 2210A8 2210A9 2210A10 $29.50 each Rectangular body: 2210C1 2210C2 2210C3 2210C4 2210C5 2210C6 2210C7 2210C8 2210C9 2210C10 $29.50 each Conical body: 2210E1 2210E2 2210E3 2210E4 $29.50 each Flat triangle body:2210G1 2210G2 2210G3 2210G4 2210G5 $29.50 each Nicer quality: 2210N1 2210N2 2210N3 2210N4 2210N5 2210N6 2210N7 2210N8 $39.50 each Lots: Poorer quality: 2210L1 2210L2 2210L3 2210L4 $50/Lot DISCOUNT 15% off when taking 3+ single pieces. | $29.50+ |
| 998 | Yemen Silver Beads | Hollow spheres, ±25x25mm with fancy designs and large string holes. Made by Jewish silversmiths prior to their expulsion in 1949. Average 8-9gm each. | $23.50 |
| 2190 | Ethiopia Finger Rings | Traditional nickel-brass rings in a variety of sizes, some with a bit of punched decoration. One seller calls similar items Wollo, northern Ethiopia. To order: 2190A My choice No photos, but you may specify ring size for singles. Each: $13.50; $12 / 3; $9 / 10; ASK / more; 2190Y Your choice Let me know your ring size, maximum / minimum size for inner hole, or outer dimensions, brassy or silvery, well-worn or sharp, or let me know which ones you like and why and I will send a scan of several to choose from. $17.50 | $13.50 /17.50 |
 | 2195 | Ethiopia "Fan" Pendant | Toned brass Pendants, mostly 50-60mm tall, found on natural necklaces from Ethiopia and sold separately by the Traders. Samples shown, $14.50 each; Or: Unusual Pieces Priced as shown. | $14.50+ |
 | 2200 | Oramo "shield" pendants | Brass circular (or 4-lobe) medallions with holes, used as ear dangles, clothing or belt adornments by the Oromo people of Ethiopia; usable as pendants. Scanner images at 250%; apologies for the focus which leaves the surface designs blurry. Large "Sombrero" Shape: Mostly 50-65mm 2200A1 2200A2 2200A3 2200A4 2200A5 2200A16 2200A17 2200A18 2200A19 2200A20 $15 each Small "Sombrero" Shape: Mostly 40-50mm 2200C1 2200C2 2200C3 2200C4 2200C5 2200C6 2200C7 2200C8 2200C9 2200C10 $12 each Crenelated "Sombrero" shape: 2200E1 2200E2 2200E3 2200E4 $12 each Flat "Sombrero" shape: 2200G1 2200G2 2200G3 2200G4 2200G5 $12.00 each Huge "Sombrero" shape: 2200H1 2200H2; $16.00 each Four-Lobe Shape: About 40mm. 2200K1 2200K2 2200K3 2200K4 2200K5 2200K6 2200K7 2200K8 $12 each DISCOUNT 15% when taking 3 or more. | $12.50+ |
 | 2174 | Double Spiral Amulet | Protective charm, brass, with cosmic spirals, ropelike stem & loop. Among Lobi & Bobo worn by children; among Kirdi worn on hip by women. Often strung with beads. 2175a) 52m tall, look new; 2175b) Shorter, worn, look old. (Pair: $5.50) | $3.00 |
| 2179 | Cosmos Bells, Larger | Single: Larger bells, often strung with beads. Fulani (Yoruba?), West Africa. Cosmos design with loop & stone clapper. Crudely made, but lumps & holes don't seem to affect the jingle. Most 15-20mm wide. Samples shown 150%. Your choice of: 2179A) Little or no wear, some light verdigris; 2179B) Moderate wear, or 2179C) Heavy wear or smooth (still good tone) $4.50 each, $3.50 each /3+ any mix. Lots Damaged or worn 2179L1) $17.50; 2179L2) $12 | $3.50 / 4.50 |
| 2180 | Igbo Bells | Bells of conventional shape, with loop, brass. Supplier calls them Igbo (Nigeria) dancing bells. Singles 2180A1) $10; Bulk Igbo Bells 2180b) Large hank of about 120 Igbo dancing bells, brass, mid 20th c.?, mostly 24-30mm high x 25-30mm wide, some with clappers, side view, $300 | $10 / 300 |
| 2181 | West African Bells | Miscellaneous types Larger Brass bells, often worn with beads. With clappers unless noted. Shown at 200%. Singles: 2181b $10; 2181c $12.50; 2181d $10; 2181g $8; 2181h $6; 2181k $12/Lot | $6.00+ |
 | 2184 | Excavated Bells | From Jenné in Mali, large copper or bronze bells, most with crusty green patina. Clappers missing or frozen. Shown at 200%. Largest: 2184Ba 2184Bb 2184Bc 2184Bd 2184Be; 65-80mm tall, $30.00 each Medium: 2184Ca 2184Cb 2184Cc 2184Cd 2184Ce 2184Cf 50-60mm tall, $25.00 each Smallest: 2184Da 2184Db 2184Dc 2184Dd 2184De 2184Df 40-58mm tall, $22.50 each Odd shapes: 2184Ga 2184Gc 2184Gd 2184Gf $27.50 each Discount for single bells: 10%/3+, 20%/6+ BELL LOTS: 2184L1) Not-so-crusty set $85; 2184L4) Three different $75; 2184L7) Six bells $112.50; 2184L9) Five with damage or crusty $60 | 22.50+ |
 | 2240 | Ivory Coast Bell | Large, oldish bronze "beehive" shaped bell with stone clapper & loop. Possibly Dan, Lobi, Senufo. 69mm, 125gm. "Cowbell" sound. | $22.50 |
 | 2242 | Baule Bells | Strand of well-worn brass bells, no clappers, about 19-20mm widths | 55.00 |
 | 2246 | Bambara Bells | Simple fold-over iron shell rattles, stone clappers, about 40x40mm. Bambara of Mali. Rusty but largely intact. Samples shown. | $5.50 |
| 743Z | Baule Cosmology Pendants | Strung necklaces, possibly as-worn, with 10 different brass charms spaced with beads. Each charm 65x50mm. 30" strings. Newly made. Sample shown. | $36.50 |
 | 2260 | Gan Animal Pendants | Dark bronze, great detail, modern but treated to look old; looped. Gan people of Burkina Faso. Others sell at $100++. Longest dimension noted in scan. Back sides plain or with loop. Scans at 200%. Snake: 2260S1 $55; 2260S2 $35; 2260S3 $40; 2260S4 $45; 2260S5 $35; 2260S6 $25; 2260S7 $25; 2260S8 $40; Warthog: 2260W1 $35; Felines: 2260F1 $45; 2260F2 $35; 2260F3 $35; Horned Animals: 2260H1 $45; 2260H2 $40; 2260H3 $40; 2260H4 ring $30; Humans: 2260P1 $50; 2260S3 $40.00 | $25.00+ |
 | 2255 | Gan Animal Rings | Gan people of Burkina Faso. Dark bronze, great detail, modern but treated to look old. Longest dimension & ring size noted in photo. Scans at 200%. 2255a) Bull, 45mm, 9.5, $35 2255d) Bird - peacock?, 60mm, 10.5, $40; | $35.00+ |
 | 2264 | Asante Animals | (Ashanti, Akan: Ghana) Nicely cast modern bronze animal figures. Animals figure in many Akan folk tales and children's lessons; Peggy Appiah has written children's books featuring such tales, illustrated by goldweights and these larger "teaching figures." These are not goldweights, and not worth $199 on Etsy! Although a limited number were made from each mould, they are similar enough that I use sample photos to keep prices down, except for group lots. There may be minor casting flaws. 2264C,F) Crocodile; 2264K,L,N) Crane; 2264R,S) Rooster; 2264D,E) Deer-like; 2264T) Turtle; 2264H,J) Ram, Antelope; 2264M) Monkey; 2264A) Price: $22.50 each, $18.50/3+, $15.00/6+; Set of 5 animals, exact pieces shown: 2264S1 2264S2 xf23b 2264S3 $85/set; Flawed lot 2264 $30/lot | $22.50 |
| 1327 | Fossil Disk (Pi) | "Heaven was represented by the ancients in the tangible form of a perforated disk of jade. It was believed that such a token embodied the qualities of solar effulgence, and was closely connected with the powers of Heaven by means of its maagical properties, and therefore the Emperor, being the Son of Heaven, was able to commune and consult with Heaven through the medium o the jade disc." (C.A.S. Williams Outlines of Chinese Symbolism and Art Motives p.235. Offered here are MODERN pieces in black agate, 45mm (1.75") wide, crowded with small marine(?) fossils. Called Gemstone Donuts in jewelry trade. No two are alike. ($39 for 10) | $5.00 |
| 2500 | Spindle Whorls, Nigeria | Strung as beads, these are terracotta weights used to spin fabric strands into thread. They are one of the commonest and most universal of artifacts. Age unknown, but not recent. Size 40-50m across. Incised designs are much more visible than in the flat scanner images. Singles: in Row A Small, plain, or rough $9 each, in Rows B-C Nicer $15 each, in Rows D-E $20 each, and in Rows F-G Largest & most detailed $25 each. Discount: 2+ pieces: 15%, 5+ take 25%. | $ 9.00+ |
| 2502 | Spindle Whorls | Mali Decorated terracotta weights used with wooden spindles to create thread from fibers; they resemble large earth-color beads. These range from sharp and detailed to worn and plain; each strand is different. Widths & lenghts typically 22-27mm, 26-28" strands unless noted. Shown at 150%. Strands: 2502a) $55 ; 2502b) $55; 2502c) $55; 2502d) $55; 2502e) Long 32" $70; 2502f) Long 37" $85; Lots: 2502L1, 2502L2 $12.50/ Lot of 4 | $12.50 / $55.00+ |
| 2508 | Spindle Whorls | Mali Terracotta beads, or actual spindle whorls, made by the Dogon. Nice quality pieces, individually cut, apparently with some age. Bead width ±28-33mm; 26-28" Strands: 2508a 2508b 2508c | $55.00 |
| 2504 | Spindle Whorls | Guinea Strung as beads, these are terracotta weights used to spin fabric strands into thread. They are one of the commonest and most universal of artifacts. Strands of 29 beads, mixed sizes and quality. Strands: 2504b; 2504c; 2504d Each: | $79.50 |
| 2507 | Spindle Whorls | Mali Terracotta beads made by the Dogon, based on weights used to spin fabric strands into thread. Presumably modern. Black with white patterns. Bead width 25-30mm; Singles: 2507 $2.00 each/3+ | $2.00 / 30.00 |
 | 23b | Spindle Whorls | Lot of five terracotta Mexican spinning whorls, most with design. Imported 1970s or 80s and almost certainly authentic. | $30.00 |
| 280 | Metal Spindle Whorl Pendants | Silver and Copper Medals based on Northwest American Indian spindle whorl designs (note circle at center). Three different designs, each available in .999 silver, and Alaskan copper, with Lodgepole Pine reverse. Size 1.75" (45m), 2 troy oz. weight - larger than a Silver Dollar. The silver come with silver bezel, the copper with loop, cord, and certificate of authenticity. Designed by Seattle artist Joseph Illg, a limited edition struck by Northwest Territorial Mint. Silver were $90 each, now $45 (bullion ±$37); Copper were $30 each, now $15 to CLEAR | $15.00 - 45.00 |
| 2490 | Terracotta Fishnet Weights | Mali, age unknown, VERY large pinkish-brown earth color ellipsoids. Lengths 75-103mm, weights 64-181gm (3.3-6.4 oz.) Could be central pendant on a very clunky necklace! Shown at 200%. Singles: 2490a 2490b 2490c 2490d 2490e 2490f $17.50 each | $17.50 |
| FAKE BEAD WARNING | ||||
| Modern beads imitating classic Venetian or other old types, usually of Asian origin. Many of these beads are well made and suitable for craft work, but dangerous to collectors. Send me your photos of fake beads and I will post them here. This is an educational listing only; I do not sell these beads. | ||||
 | 1266X | French Ambassador | Likely Indonesian Discussion | NFS |
 | 980X | Face Beads | Likely Indonesian | NFS |
 | 514X | French Cross Style | Likely Indonesian. Large-size beads. Seen in a variety of colors. | NFS |