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TRADE BEADS
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BACKGROUND Along with shells, beads are one of the commonest of ethnographic monies. Like shells, they can be worn as purely decorative objects, so the line between money and jewlery is particularly hard to draw. I have tried to stock mostly older types, mainly made in Venice, and have avoided types which never show up in worn condition. These beads were purchased from Africa Traders from about 1988 to date. Only minimal research has been done, and you may learn more about particular types from Dubin, Liu, Francis, and other works in my references offering. Most bead types have no widely accepted names, so those given below are collector terms, African names, or my own made-up descriptive terms. Generally the older types of beads 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. ABOUT THE LISTINGS BELOW . . . Click on the thumbnail to see a full strand. You will get the strand in the scan, unless noted "sample" in the description. These are just flatbed scans, not photos, so the actual beads will look much better! Generally beads are sold in 24" strands. The ↔" column before the price shows strand length in inches. Prices in US$. PLACING AN ORDER . . . I charge only the true USPS postal rates, no inflated handling charges. To order (or just inquire), cut and paste the entire line for each item into an email. I will respond with an invoice within a couple of days. Or click the ORDERING INFO link for more details. In a hurry? Glad to take your phone order: 425-369-1725 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM USA Pacific. |
| NEW ARRIVALS: ALL CATEGORIES JUNE, 2009 | ||||||
 | 704 | Fulani Womens Necklace | West Africa | Multiple strands of r seed beads with tubular white hearts as pendant, copper wire, dyed twine. Fit easily over head. Necklaces available from this reduced scan: s, t, u, v, w, x | 30-32 | 54.50 |
 | 519b | French Cross, White | Venice | Called Bodoum in Africa, white with cross of red, white & black This color was a trade item in the American southwest, which has caused a rapid rise in the price of those found in Africa. Similar Dubin 70a Found several strands of very nice beads: (see scan) | 21-22 | 55.00 |
 | 2507 | Spindle Whorls | Mali | 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. Black with white patterns, Bead width 25-30mm; Single beads: $3.00 each; 2507a Strand $62.50; 2507b Strand | 26 | 70.00 |
 | 789 | Fulani Brass | Nigeria | Old beads of unusual shape, they remind me of a daisy, 300+ on a long strand. Single beads: .90 each/3+, .60 each/10+ Strand: | 30 | 135.00 |
 | 687 | Not Russian Blue | Venice | Imitating the lighter variety of Russian Blue. Called "Janie" in some parts of Africa, possibly a corruption of Djenne. Slightly translucent blue tubes usually 12-13mm, two examples show range of color or toning. Set of 3 strands chosen for variety: $25.00; Per strand: | 22 | 11.00 |
 | 568Z | Awala Chevrons: Bulk | Venice | Awally is the Ghanian name for these inexpensive trade beads. To save me the bother of sorting and photos, as they come: $6/3+ strands, $5/6+ strands. | 22 | |
 | 790 | Ellipsoids | Europe | Bright colors in ellipsoid shape, usually about 7mm long, but lots of variety in size and even shape in this group. Samples shown. Bulk: $6/3+ strands, $5/6+ strands MY CHOICE of colors. OR, your choice of color if available, single strands: | 22 | 8.00 |
 | 791 | Cane-cut Donuts? | Germany? | Similar to Donut beads, with large holes, but cane-cut. Clear glass. | 22 | 40.00 |
| NEW ARRIVALS: ALL CATEGORIES MAY 2009 | ||||||
 | 712p | Akoso | Ghana, Togo | Status beads of the Kings & nobility of the Ewe (= Krobo?). Ground trade beads are fused in clay moulds. These are well-worn examples of the "classic" period ca. 1870s-1910s. Graduated strand LENGTHS range 8mm - 19mm. 130 beads on super long strand. | 44 | 310.00 |
 | 534 | Islamic Glass? | Red Sea? | Rough, dirty-yellow beads ranging 6-12mm across. I thought they were "baby Hebron" and did not ask the supplier about them, but on examination they are quite different - some look cane-cut while other have an odd pucker around the hole and do not sit flat, suggesting some unusual technique. Though cleaned, they show soil and are clearly excavated - possibly late Medieval Islamic? Graduated strand of 90+ beads. Sample strand shown. | 24 | 24.50 |
 | 534R | Islamic Glass? | Red Sea? | Rough, brick-red beads ranging 6-12mm across. These came with the yellow group. Some look cane-cut while other have an odd pucker around the hole and do not sit flat, suggesting some unusual technique. Though cleaned, they show soil and are clearly excavated - possibly late Medieval Islamic? Graduated strand of 90+ beads. Sample strand shown. | 24 | 30.00 |
 | 668h | Green King | Venice | Classic bicone made 1850s-1930s, but scarce green vs. usual yellow. Highly valued & used to buy gold in Ghana. Probably a variant of Quiggin's "Aggry," front plate #8. Long strand of 61 beads ranging 15-20m wide. Mostly nice condition. | 35 | 175.00 |
| 668j | Green King | Venice | Classic bicone made 1850s-1930s, but scarce green vs. usual yellow. Highly valued & used to buy gold in Ghana. Probably a variant of Quiggin's "Aggry," front plate #8. Long strand of 591 beads ranging 11-19m wide. Average to nice condition. | 32 | 120.00 |
 | 784 | Green Bloodstone | Africa | Polished hard stone, mostly dark green, many in heart shape. Supplier says it is called bloodstone because it is usually found in red. Possibly excavated, they show signs of wear. Sample shown | 32 | 46.50 |
 | 576b | Mixed Collection | Europe | Grand mixture of smaller trade beads, even some older excavated types. Good value. Typical strands shown. | 28 | 8.50 |
 | 576s+ | Mixed Collection | Europe | Long strings of mostly larger beads, including plain colored beads, more interesting sand-cast, old trade beads, bauxite, etc. Lots of beads for little money! Strands available: 576s) 576t) 576u) 576v) Each strand: | 55 | 21.50 |
 | 786 | Bell & Money Necklace | Europe / Africa | The Fulani have a number of traditional necklace styles. I do not know the purpose of this one, but they feature cowries and B.W.A. 1/10 Pennies, both small monies, along with "cosmos bells" and small cane-cut beads. Necklaces are new; their components older. Scans reduced; these are long 20" necklaces. Currently available: a, b, c, d | 47.50 | |
 | 787 | Darfur beads | Africa? | Brass beads with knobs and bars, two basic designs. Supplier says found in Darfur (Sudan) but uncertain where they were made. About 50-60 per strand, about 9-11mm long, 2mm holes. Single Beads: $2 each/3+; $1.50 each/10+; Strands available: a, b; Give second choice if possible. | 24 | 65.00 |
 | 788 | Roman Beads | Europe? | Dark blue to black cane-cut beads of obvious age, varying sizes and shapes. My supplier knows only that they are called Roman Beads in the trade, nothing of their age or provenence. Sample strand shown. | 30 | 75.00 |
 | 601a | Tiger Stripe | Venice | Round variety of this higher value Venetian bead, called Gulbe in Africa. 45 beads of 14mm width. Exceptioinal condition, not new. | 20 | 150.00 |
 | 250b | White Heart, Large | Venice | Cournalene d'Aleppo: Round form Red over white core. Among the oldest of White Heart types. Graduated string of 60 beads ranging 11-21mm. Cracks, chips, but generally nice for this type. | 34 | 185.00 |
 | 252c | White Heart | Venice | Barrel form Cournalene d'Aleppo, Hudsons Bay Trade Beads: Among the oldest of White Heart types. Long strand of exceptional pieces, range 12-16mm wide, largest bead 26mm Single beads as they come $12 each, or $9/ bead for 3 or more, or $7.50 each for whatever remains of the strand. | 32 | 12.00 - 277.50 |
 | 673c | Skunk: Red | Venice | a.k.a. Crows eye, Eye bead. White Heart. White "eye" spots on round red beads over white core. A high-value bead, traded into North America and Ethiopia. Beads 10-11m. Nice quality, $1.20/bead for 10 or more, or strand of about 70: (sample shown) | 28 | 70.00 |
| 673d | Skunk: Red | Venice | Strand including some poor quality beads. 72 beads Nice quality, $1.20/bead for 10 or more, or strand of about 70: (sample shown) | 30 | 40.00 |
 | 745 | Medicine Beads | Venice | Called Medicine Bead by North American Indians, though I am seeking more information. A solid white, slightly ovoid wound bead with incused dark blue dots and trailed pink lines. Beads 10-11mm, about 55 on strand. Please give second choice of strands: c, d, e, f, g | 22 | 75.00 |
 | 744 | Asanti Charm | Ghana | Brass cosmological charms. Modern, but show some use, cleaned. Some are a bit imperfect or asymmetrical. Types available: 744a) Four-lobe-basket 21-22/strand; 744b) Triangle-with-circles, about 25/strand; 744c) Round basket-weave, about 36 per strand. Prices: Per any 3, mix or match $9 each; Single strand, any type: | 22-24 | 13.50 |
 | 722 | Millefiore, Small | Venice | These small, tapered millies are considered rarer than the larger cane-cut types. Varied strands with some other higher-value strays. Strands 722d, 722e Each: | 28 | 75.00 |
 | 770 | Fulgurites | Niger | Tubes of light brown sand fused by lightning strikes which have been partially smoothed and cut to bead length. Some have natural ends or branches. As evidence of ancient thunderstorms, climatologists study fulgurite finds to learn about Saharan climate change, but peoples in the region have collected and crafted these items for centuries. Closeup Strands available: ; b; c | 25 | 55.00 |
 | 783 | Pottery Pendants | China | Fragments of broken Ming/Qing blue-&-white pottern found in Thai coastal waters rounded for use as pendants. Just one lot of 4 pieces shown. | 10.00 | |
 | 781 | Ethiopia Necklace | Germany / Netherlands | Long necklaces of traditional composition (restrung) including copper coils, hollow beads & tubes of 'German silver', pendants of bone or aluminium. some later Czech beads, and - most interesting - Dutch "Dogon" and German "Donut" beads. I wish I knew the story behind these necklaces, the meaning behind the arrangement of elements. Also, why the prominence of these old, medium-value northern European beads usually associated with trade to Mali? What does the fan-like aluminium pendant represent? My supplier had dozens of these loose. Until the early 20th C. aluminium was a valuable metal & in Africa had the same curative properties as silver. Necklaces available: a , b , e , f , g , | Each: | 38.50 |
 | 224bc | Moulay Beads | Nigeria | Derived from older Munshi beads of the Tiv, but used farther south. Mixed strand with seed-like beads, some clear, some worn, and some apparently filed smooth. String of over 250 beads. Typical strands shown. (Half strand $75.00) | 22 | 125.00 |
| SINGLE BEADS, SETS, MIXED STRANDS | ||||||
| Beads come from the African Traders in strands, and that is usually how they are passed on. I have searched out mixed strands, and broken up strands of more valuable types. In the categories beow this one you will find full strands of these types, and many more. The ↔" column shows strand length in inches. | ||||||
 | 651 | Collection | Europe | Mixed collection of medium-value beads. A good way to build a collection of types which would be costly in full strings. Look them up in Dubin or other references. Multiple orders: I can select "different" strings, but there will be overlap. 2+ strands take 10% discount. "Specimen" strands (chosen randomly) for those who want to know exactly what they are getting: 651m ; 651n; 651h; 651j ; 651k $27.50 Each 651q; 651r ; 651s $27.50 Each | 25-26 | 24.50 |
 | 721 | Collections, high value | Europe | Mainly types which sell for $50-100+ in full strands, much variety within strands. 721a ; 721b ; 721c ; 721d Each: | 27-28 | 85.00 |
| 576b | Mixed Collection | Europe | Grand mixture of smaller trade beads, even some older excavated types. Good value. Typical strands shown. | 28 | 8.50 |
| 576s+ | Mixed Collection | Europe | Long strings of mostly larger beads, including plain colored beads, more interesting sand-cast, old trade beads, bauxite, etc. Lots of beads for little money! Strands available: 576s) 576t) 576u) 576v) Each strand: | 55 | 21.50 |
 | 536T | Hebron: Colors set | Medieval Palestine, traded to the Sudan. Yellow are commonest, green scarcer, and dark colors much scarcer. 536 Yellow bead 18-20mm: $3.50; 536S) Yellow and Green beads $8.50; 536T) Set of nine beads, including 3 sizes/shapes of Yellow, a Green, a Blue, a small cut-down bead, plus (not shown) three baby and "infant" sized beads: $22.50 | 3.50 - 22.50 | ||
 | 746 | Nueva Cadiz | Spain? Venice? | Long light-blue tubular bead without layers. The layered versions are known from 16th Century sites in South America, but this variety (Smith & Good, 1982, #34) is associated with 17th Century North American sites. Unusually high quality specimens almost never seen in the layered variety, about 10 x 10 x 78-82mm c) Serious chips $16.50; (b Minor chips $27.50; a) Perfect, several available $45.00 Short pieces: t-u) $12.50; v) 7.50 | 16.50 - 45.00 | |
 | 500 | Nueva Cadiz | Spain? Venice? | South American types in dark blue with three layers; also green with 3 layers. Photo enlarged for detail; worst side shown. Priced per bead. PLEASE give 2nd, 3rd choices! a) 43x16x16mm SOLD; b) 40x17x17mm $45; c-d) $30; e-g) $23.50; h) $35; j) SOLD; k-m) $20; p-v) $16.50 | 16.50 - 45.00 | |
 | 245K | Proto-bead | Venice | Early trade bead, possible ancestor of both King beads and Cournalene d'Aleppo. Supplier says they are quite rare. 20m wide x about 18m long, chalky yellow. Per bead: | Ea. | 15.00 |
 | 215a | King Bead Disks | Venice | Same porous, chalky yellow glass as classic King bead, but plain disks 12-18m wide. Traded into Ghana. Not much on market until recently. Lot of 5 beads, different sizes. | Lot: | 2.75 |
 | 213s | King set | Venice | Wound bicone beads from Venice, c. 1850s-1930s and highly valued in Ghana. Picard (Vol. V, pl.26, strands 7, 13) quotes a note on an actual sample card "traded for gold." Similar to Quiggin's "Aggry" bead, front plate #8. Commonest type is burnt yellow with cross pattern of multicolor stripes, but green, black,and variant patterns occur. Set of four sizes yellow, one each green & black (sample set shown): | Set | 15.00 |
 | 675c | King type, Mixed | Venice | Tubular beads in egg-yolk yellow as King beads, but variable patterns. A broad mixture of varieties on one strand. 59 beads, mostly 9-16mm long, as shown: | 26 | 75.00 |
| 213L | King, damage lot | Venice | Lot of 13 King, including green & black, plus 6 other scarce types, all eroded or chipped | Lot | 12.00 |
 | 309a | Chevron, 7-layer | Venice | Single Bead Classic 7-layer Chevron, a.k.a. "Rosetta" bead, possibly first made by Romans, but the earliest Venetian 7-layers are dated to 1480-1580 and heralded the Renaissance of European beadmaking. An important trade bead of the era. See Quiggin color plate, #7. Today larger (length & diameter) beads are worth much more than smaller ones. This is larger than most: 27x40m and clearly shows the inner translucent green layer which is often lost to string wear. | Each | 195.00 |
 | 312 | Chevron, 6-layer | Venice | Single Beads Classic 6-layer Chevron, a.k.a. "Rosetta" bead, dating to late 19th & early 20th C. This bead mfr's sample card is early 20th C. 312a) 17x30m, nice quality $30; 312d) 24x38m, excellent quality $65; 312b,c) Large damaged pieces $12.50 ea.; 312x) Smaller dmaged pieces, width 13-20m, my choice $4.50; 312L) Lot of 5, mostly under 13m $12 | Each | 4.50 - 65.00 |
 | 316 | Chevron, 4-layer | Venice | Set Classic 4-layer "Rosetta" bead, as with the 6-layer, dated to late 19th & early 20th C. 316s) Small beads, widths 5-7m. Lot of 5 pieces, different lengths & cuts. Sample lot shown, yours will differ $5.00; Single Beads: 317) Widths 15-20m your choice as available $3.50 each; | Each | 3.50 - 5.00 |
 | 694 | French Yellow-jacket Chevron | France? | Single Beads Five layer Chevron with yellow stripes on black/ white/ red/ white core. Although attribution is tentative (Peter Francis, Beads of the World p.65) this would be the highest value trade bead produced in France. Dubin (p.116 #14a & p.346) notes that M. Heide examined several million beads and rated this one "scarce" (seen 6-10 examples). a) Longest pieces, 18+m $40; b) Under 18m $35; c) Short $25; ; 694s) Set of four selected pieces, different lengths & thicknesses, best quality. Choose set fromSCAN $120 Per set. | Ea. | 25.00 - 120.00 |
 | 515S | Watermelon / Chevron Set | Venice | Single Beads Also called Melon, watermelon, or Molonganame (Muly Yaghalama) beads in Africa. Lot of 7 beads showing Chevron and solid-color, pinched and squared, and color varieties. Sample set shown. | Set: | 5.50 |
| 673 | Skunk: Red | Venice | Single beads a.k.a. Crows eye, White heart. White "eye" spots on round red beads, with white core. A high-value bead, traded into Ethiopia. Beads 10-11m. Dubin #95 "wound compound glas wih polychrome dots." Ten or more at $1.25 each; Single bead: | Ea. | 2.50 |
 | 703a | Rattlesnake & King | Netherlands | Irregular white bands on black, "wound glass with trailed decoration" per Dubin #111 Traded into Ghana; Rattlesnakes are found in Iroquois sites. 70 Rattlesnake 10-11m wide, 2 Eye or similar, 19 smaller green King beads. | 31 | 100.00 |
 | 250S | White Heart Set | Venice, etc. | Historical Set including now-expensive earlyCournelene d'Aleppo forms (Hudsons Bay Trade Bead) from ca. 1830s?. Named for the white core beneath the (usually) red exterior. One of the most widely traded beads, into the Orient, Africa, and Americas. 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 $24.50) (NOTE for completists: Other white hearts are "Proto-bead", White heart flower beads, and Skunk beads). | Set: | 19.50 |
| 250 | White Heart Singles | Venice | Largest, oldest round Cournelene d'Aleppo in better than average grade. Beads are 15-22mm. I can not supply particular beads from the photo; please order by category: 250.1) Nicest pieces: $12 Per bead, or $9 each for 3 or more; 250.2) Fairly intact, but abrasively cleaned with loss of lustre SOLD; 250.3) Medium size 12-15mm beads but VERY sharp and clean $12.00 Each. | Each: | 12.00 |
| 251 | White Heart Singles | Venice | Medium-size old round Cournelene d'Aleppo in better than average grade. Beads are 10-14mm. I can not supply particular beads from the photo ($3 each per 5 or more) | Each: | 4.50 |
| 252c | White Heart | Venice | Barrel form Cournalene d'Aleppo, Hudsons Bay Trade Beads: Among the oldest of White Heart types. Long strand of exceptional pieces, range 12-16mm wide, largest bead 26mm Single beads as they come $12 each, or $9/ bead for 3 or more, or $7.50 each for whatever remains of the strand. | 32 | 12.00 - 277.50 |
 | 262 | Flower White hearts | Venice | Single beads Short barrels, floral pattern in white & blue on red, over white core; basically white hearts with a pattern. Mostly 9-10m wide. Unusually nice condition for this fragile old type. 3 or more chosen for variation in size, color, etc. $4 each; Single bead: | Ea. | 5.00 |
 | 623 | White Heart & Mixed | Venice | Mixed strand of oldest type of Cournalene d'Aleppo white hearts, plus other high-value beads. 623b) Huge 39" strand with several types of oldest white hearts in superior condition, plus King, Millefiore, rattlesnake & other high value types $250 | 26 | 90.00 - 250.00 |
 | 678L | Green Hearts | Venice | Single Beads Older green-hearts, probably 1700's, irregular dark red tubes over greenish cores. This lot from Africa. Bead widths 7-10m. 7 pieces, mixed sizes from strand as shown: | Each | 2.50 |
 | 210s | Millifore: Set | Venice | Wildly popular Mosaic or "many flower" design comes in endless colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes and was produced by a variety of techniques in Venice, late 1800's-1920s & later. For dealers and collectors they are a blue chip bead, increasing in value at least 5% / year since the 1980s. Quiggin p.39, Opitz p.57-58, Dubin #55. Set 0f 7 different lengths, patterns, including long 50+m, and square piece. | Set | 17.50 |
| 722 | Millefiore, Small | Venice | These small, tapered millies are considered rarer than the larger cane-cut types. Varied strands with some other higher-value strays. Strands 722d, 722e Each: | 28 | 75.00 |
 | 722a | Millefiore & Others | Venice | Collection of 20 yellow + eye cylindircal Millefiore plus 30 other higher value beads, such as Tiger-stripe, an old striped bicone, etc. | 28 | 65.00 |
 | 722c | Millefiore & Others | Venice | Varied strand with 42 Millefiore, flower, tiger, eye, fancy beads, etc. Lots of variety and color. | 27 | 80.00 |
 | 209 | Millifore: Elbow | Venice | Most valuable of Millefiore shapes, long pieces with a bend: 209a) Yellow with red "eyes" 40+mm $9; 50-55m as shown $15; 209b) Green with blue "eyes" 50-55m $17.50 | Ea. | 9.00 - 17.50 |
 | 212 | Talhakimt Pendants | Europe | Single beads Large, flat European-made glass beads imitating earlier stone and metal currency objects of the Tuaregs of the northern Sahara. Also called tanfouk, Niger glass, and Zinder beads. See Der Primitivgeldsammler 1989/1 p.23 #IV1,3. Opitz p.38, 64, A. Fisher Africa Adorned page 186.. Range 47-54m tall. Your choice of color / style if in stock. Samples are shown for color and style, they are not the actual pieces in stock. $8.50 each per 3+; Per one: | Ea. | 10.00 |
 | 593 | Carnelian Glass | Round Glass beads imitating striped carnelian stone, mixed colors, sizes. Most 12-16m wide. Lot of five mixed: | Set: | 5.00 | |
 | 566M | Seed & Others | Europe, China | Mixed Strands Various colors, including the more irregular, larger Chinese type, and small white-hearts | 24+ | 8.50 |
 | 212S | Talhakimt, Agate | Europe | Single beads Pink stone European-made beads used bythe Tuaregs of the northern Sahara. Called Zinder beads in Europe. See Der Primitivgeldsammler 1989/1 p.23 #IV1,3., Opitz p.38, 64. Specimens available: e, f (e is 28mm tall; shown enlarged) | Each | 20.00 |
 | 263S | Togo Stone (Set) | Togo? | White quartz disc with drilled hole, rubbed in reddish earth. Found in hoards, they are likely a very early bead money, though both their original and modern uses are unclear. 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. 263 Large 30-45mm $14.50; 263R Small 18-25mm, rough $5; 263S Set of four (not five) stones, different sizes, plus one small rough type: | Set: | 37.50 |
 | 720 | "Togo Stone" Beads | Europe | Single beads Glass imitations of the valued "Togo stone" money. First strand seen by my supplier, one of the biggest bead importers. Beads mostly 15-20m wide, 6-10m thick. Lot of 5 beads with some variation in size: $12; Per bead: $3 | Ea. | 3.00 - 12.00 |
 | 223s | Munshi Beads | Sahara | Sngle 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 p.60 fig.9, Johansson 50,54, supl14 #65, PS1987/3. From an old purchase Each: $4.00, 3 diff sizes $10.00; mini-string of 12 pieces $35.00 | 4.00 - 35.00 | |
| X224s | Moulay Beads: Set | Nigeria | Set Derived from older Munshi beads of the Tiv, but used farther south. Beads look like seeds with loops and range 10-14mm. Some are worn, and others have apparently been filed down to bevels. Apparently still made and used, the Traders sell sharp, unused strands much more cheaply. Set of 3 beads from each stage (12) showing variations: | Set | 15.00 |
| 787 | Darfur beads | Africa? | Brass beads with knobs and bars, two basic designs. Supplier says found in Darfur (Sudan) but uncertain where they were made. About 50-60 per strand, about 9-11mm long, 2mm holes. Single Beads: $2 each/3+; $1.50 each/10+; Strands available: a, b; Give second choice if possible. | 24 | 65.00 |
| 789 | Fulani Brass | Nigeria | Old beads of unusual shape, they remind me of a daisy, 300+ on a long strand. Single beads: .90 each/3+, .60 each/10+ Strand: | 30 | 135.00 |
 | 626t | Bauxite | Nigeria | Single Beads Rough earth-red beads from clay rich in aluminium ore, a distinctive African bead. Set of 3 lengths of 7-11m wide beads. | Each | 3.50 |
 | 237s | Iron: Medium | Nigeria | Single Beads: Three rough 10m wide beads, plus two polished 6m beads. Iron in any form was considered money in Africa. Per set of 5: | Ea. | 3.50 |
 | 645 | Brass: Rough | Nigeria | Crudely cast & variable beads with large central holes. Average 82 beads, 9m across. Recently cleaned, unfortunately. Any metal bead could have been used as money in Africa. Single Beads 3 beads: $3.50; 10 beads: 9.50; Full doubled strand: | 24 | 65.00 |
 | 641S | Natural Amber | Gambia | Single Beads Natural tree amber from Gambia, roughly shaped into beads of 12-18m and holed with a hot poker. Old amber (and imitation) beads were important trade items in Africa. These are old amber, but new beads. Five mixed sizes: | Ea | 4.50 |
 | 638 | Ostrich Eggshell | East Africa | Turkana, Samburu, Ovambo tribes. Rough roundish disks (7-10mm) of tough eggshell, center-pierced, about 200 per strand. A well-known odd & curious item & one of few beads from eastern Africa. Opitz p.246, Quiggin p.100,107 | 24 | 25.00 |
 | 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. Single beads of my choice are available, a) plain $9; b)with etched designs $12. Strand of 33: | 200.00 | |
| 704 | Fulani Womens Necklace | West Africa | Multiple strands of small cane-cut or seed beads with bundled long beads as pendant, copper wire, dyed twine. Fit easily over head. Sold out @ $59.50, new stock and a reduced price! Necklaces available: 704e | 30-32 | 54.50 |
| 2507 | Spindle Whorls | Mali | 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. Black with white patterns, Bead width 25-30mm; Single beads: $3.00 each; 2507a Strand $62.50; 2507b Strand | 26 | 70.00 |
| 704 | Fulani Womens Necklace | West Africa | Multiple strands of r seed beads with tubular white hearts as pendant, copper wire, dyed twine. Fit easily over head. Necklaces available from this reduced scan: s, t, u, v, w, x | 30-32 | 54.50 |
 | 707 | Mauritania Necklace | N. Africa | Modern composition using old trade beads, some newer beads, shells, spindle-worls, etc. Simple bead clasp. Scan shows both sides. 707c 24 oz.; 707d 18 oz.; 707e 18 oz.; 707f 23 oz.; 707g 23 oz.; 707h 20 oz.; 707j 20 oz.; | 97.50 | |
 | 625s | Sherpa Coral | Tibet (India) | Sets Imitating Coral, these glass beads were made in India and traded into Tibet. Scan shows typical sets. 625s) Set of 9 sizes, shapes, and shades $12.50; 625t) Set of four basic shapes & shades $5.00 | Set | 5.00 - 12.50 |
 | 647S | Peking Glass | China | Single Beads Made for centuries, these are the modern version, still made by the winding process, so cruder looking than older European beads. 10 pieces, mixed colors & sizes: | 2.50 | |
 | 1327 | Fossil Disk (Pi) | China | "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) | Each | 5.00 |
| TRADE BEADS: HIGH VALUE | ||||||
| These are generally the beads that are oldest, or were most difficult to make. There is a rough correspondance to how they were valued in the trade region. This is the category of beads that has appreciated steadily in price since the 1970s. | ||||||
 | 748 | "Roman" Beads | Alexandria? | Rough, matte beads excavated in southern Sahara regions from ancient trade. Some are clearly wound, others may be drawn or possibly filed wound beads to eliminate gapping when strung. I am not sure whether they are faience or glass. Best guess as to origin would be Alexandria. 748a) Yellow graduated strand ranging 6x3m to 9x7.5m $100; 748b) Yellow & mixed graduated strand ranging 4x2m to 10x7m Some smaller beads are clearly faience and there is a small,valuable Roman eye bead $165 | 22-23 | 110.00 - 165.00 |
 | 772 | Ahinija | Bohemia | Oddly-shaped Tabular, molded beads which fall natually into a criss-cross stacked pattern when strung. Yellow with varicolored stripes. Traded into Ghana and associated with the gold trade. Long string. | 33 | 165.00 |
 | 555b | American Flag / Manhattan | Venice | Red & blue stripes on white layer, over red core. Dubin 110b? "Wound compound glass with polychrome stripes." Late 1700s, traded in Great Lakes region and falsely associated with purchase of Manhattan. 60 beads, mostly 11-12m x 12m wide. Some chipped or dull. | 28 | 60.00 |
 | 325 | Black Chevron | Venice? | Single Beads Four layer black. Dubin p.116 & p.346 #12b 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. Each: | Ea. | 12.50 |
| 309a | Chevron, 7-layer | Venice | Single Bead Classic 7-layer Chevron, a.k.a. "Rosetta" bead, possibly first made by Romans, but the earliest Venetian 7-layers are dated to 1480-1580 and heralded the Renaissance of European beadmaking. An important trade bead of the era. See Quiggin color plate, #7. Today larger (length & diameter) beads are worth much more than smaller ones. This is larger than most: 27x40m and clearly shows the inner translucent green layer which is often lost to string wear. | Each | 195.00 |
| 312 | Chevron, 6-layer | Venice | Single Beads Classic 6-layer Chevron, a.k.a. "Rosetta" bead, dating to late 19th & early 20th C. This bead mfr's sample card is early 20th C. 312a) 17x30m, nice quality $30; 312d) 24x38m, excellent quality $65; 312b,c) Large damaged pieces $12.50 ea.; 312x) Smaller dmaged pieces, width 13-20m, my choice $4.50; 312L) Lot of 5, mostly under 13m $12 | Each | 4.50 - 65.00 |
| 316 | Chevron, 4-layer | Venice | Set Classic 4-layer "Rosetta" bead, as with the 6-layer, dated to late 19th & early 20th C. 316s) Small beads, widths 5-7m. Lot of 5 pieces, different lengths & cuts. Sample lot shown, yours will differ $5.00; Single Beads: 317) Widths 15-20m your choice as available $3.50 each; | Each | 3.50 - 5.00 |
 | 541 | Chevron, 4-layer | Venice | Classic 4-layer "Rosetta" bead, as with the 6-layer, dated to late 1800s. Strand 8-9m width, range 5-10m lengths. ; 541d) 95 beads, incl. some without usual bevel cut ends. Each: | 25 | 80.00 |
 | 671 | Copal Amber | Ethiopia | Copal is an immature form of amber, and was often imitated in plastic by European traders. I do not know whether these are natural copal or "German plastic" but they apper old, and were traded into Ethiopia where they were highly valued. See Francis Beads of the World p.35 for the difficulties of testing. Beads 20x25mm. Strands available: 671a) 27 beads; 671b) 29 beads | 26 | 95.00 |
 | 545f | Dutch Dogon | Holland | Large beads. Crude, wound type, always found well worn. One of the oldest trade beads, made in Amsterdam 1580s & later, but probably also Bohemia, Venice, etc. Dubin #101-102. Long string of 49 with a great variety of sizes, shapes and colors; 3 green beads especially rare. Generally nice condition for Dogons. | 34 | 185.00 |
 | 545 | Dutch Dogon | Holland | Graduated Blue to black, graduated strand of mostly round beads. One of the oldest trade beads, made in Amsterdam 1580s & later, but probably also Bohemia, Venice, etc. Dubin #101-102. 545g $90; 545c $90; | 40 | 75.00 - 90.00 |
 | 551 | Feather | Venice | Caramel colored wound bead with dragged decoration. Dubin 71. Most beads 18-25m long. Some partial, chipped, etc. 551c 26"; 551d 23". Each: | 23+ | 75.00 |
| 262 | Flower White hearts | Venice | Single beads Short barrels, floral pattern in white & blue on red, over white core; basically white hearts with a pattern. Mostly 9-10m wide. Unusually nice condition for this fragile old type. 3 or more chosen for variation in size, color, etc. $4 each; Single bead: | Ea. | 5.00 |
| 694 | French Yellow-jacket Chevron | France? | Single Beads Five layer Chevron with yellow stripes on black/ white/ red/ white core. Although attribution is tentative (Peter Francis, Beads of the World p.65) this would be the highest value trade bead produced in France. Dubin (p.116 #14a & p.346) notes that M. Heide examined several million beads and rated this one "scarce" (seen 6-10 examples). a) Longest pieces, 18+m $40; b) Under 18m $35; c) Short $25; ; 694s) Set of four selected pieces, different lengths & thicknesses, best quality. Choose set fromSCAN $120 Per set. | Ea. | 25.00 - 120.00 |
 | 546b | Good Bead | Venice | Brick red barrels with white squares enclosing @. a.k.a.Venetian tic-tac-toe, called "Good Bead" in Ghana. Dubin #73b "wound glass with polychrome decoration." Strand includes some smaller square GB's and two large Russian Blue. Largest bead 7x17m. | 27 | 82.50 |
 | 565 | Good (Eye) Bead | Venice | Circular or "eye" designs on solid background, generically called "good bead" in Ghana. 565c Barrel shape: White & brick red eyes on black. ; 565d Squared, mostly: Yellow & brick red in white circle, on black. Each: | 24 | 80.00 |
| 213 | King, classic yellow | Venice | Wound bicone beads from Venice, c. 1850s-1930s and highly valued in Ghana. Picard (Vol. V, pl.26, strands 7, 13) quotes a note on an actual sample card "traded for gold." Quiggin's "Aggry" bead, front plate #8 is likely a local sand-cast variant. "Classic" type is burnt yellow with cross pattern of green & multicolor stripes, but green and black beads, and variant patterns occur. Strings available: 213b) 52 beads, classic pattern, avg. grade $125; 213d) 57 beads, classic & mixed, avg. grade $110; 213f) 57 beads, classic pattern, top grade $165; 213g) 56 beads, classic & mixed, top grade $175 | 33-36 | 100.00 - 175.00 |
| 213s | King set | Venice | Wound bicone beads from Venice, c. 1850s-1930s and highly valued in Ghana. Picard (Vol. V, pl.26, strands 7, 13) quotes a note on an actual sample card "traded for gold." Similar to Quiggin's "Aggry" bead, front plate #8. Commonest type is burnt yellow with cross pattern of multicolor stripes, but green, black,and variant patterns occur. Set of four sizes yellow, one each green & black (sample set shown): | Set | 15.00 |
| 668h | Green King | Venice | Classic bicone made 1850s-1930s, but scarce green vs. usual yellow. Highly valued & used to buy gold in Ghana. Probably a variant of Quiggin's "Aggry," front plate #8. Long strand of 61 beads ranging 15-20m wide. Mostly nice condition. | 35 | 175.00 |
| 668j | Green King | Venice | Classic bicone made 1850s-1930s, but scarce green vs. usual yellow. Highly valued & used to buy gold in Ghana. Probably a variant of Quiggin's "Aggry," front plate #8. Long strand of 591 beads ranging 11-19m wide. Average to nice condition. | 32 | 120.00 |
| 213L | King, damage lot | Venice | Lot of 13 King, including green & black, plus 6 other scarce types, all eroded or chipped | Lot | 12.00 |
 | 668b | Black King | Venice | Classic bicone made 1850s-1930s, but scarcer black vs. usual yellow, most with eye-like pattern. Graduated strand of 89 beads ranging 10-20m width. | 34 | 165.00 |
 | 668c | Baby Black King | Venice | Classic bicone in a smaller size (9x10mm) with multicolored swirled stripes. Made 1850s-1930s, but scarcer black vs. usual yellow. Extra long strand.. | 40 | 145.00 |
 | 675d | King, Stripe & Dot | Venice | Perhaps an early version of King beads, rounded egg-yellow with incused red dots and trailed green stripes. These seem always to come rough and faded. 80 beads on long strand. | 34 | 90.00 |
| 745 | Medicine Beads | Venice | Called Medicine Bead by North American Indians, though I am seeking more information. A solid white, slightly ovoid wound bead with incused dark blue dots and trailed pink lines. Beads 10-11mm, about 100 on strand | 40 | 175.00 |
| 745 | Medicine Beads | Venice | Called Medicine Bead by North American Indians, though I am seeking more information. A solid white, slightly ovoid wound bead with incused dark blue dots and trailed pink lines. Beads 10-11mm, about 55 on strand. Please give second choice of strands: c, d, e, f, g | 22 | 75.00 |
| 746 | Nueva Cadiz | Spain? Venice? | Long light-blue tubular bead without layers. The layered versions are known from 16th Century sites in South America, but this variety (Smith & Good, 1982, #34) is associated with 17th Century North American sites. Unusually high quality specimens almost never seen in the layered variety, about 10 x 10 x 78-82mm c) Serious chips $16.50; (b Minor chips $27.50; a) Perfect, several available $45.00 Short pieces: t-u) $12.50; v) 7.50 | 16.50 - 45.00 | |
| 500 | Nueva Cadiz | Spain? Venice? | South American types in dark blue with three layers; also green with 3 layers. Photo enlarged for detail; worst side shown. Priced per bead. PLEASE give 2nd, 3rd choices! a) 43x16x16mm SOLD; b) 40x17x17mm $45; c-d) $30; e-g) $23.50; h) $35; j) SOLD; k-m) $20; p-v) $16.50 | 16.50 - 45.00 | |
| X224s | Moulay Beads: Set | Nigeria | Set Derived from older Munshi beads of the Tiv, but used farther south. Beads look like seeds with loops and range 10-14mm. Some are worn, and others have apparently been filed down to bevels. Apparently still made and used, the Traders sell sharp, unused strands much more cheaply. Set of 3 beads from each stage (12) showing variations: | Set | 15.00 |
| 224bc | Moulay Beads | Nigeria | Derived from older Munshi beads of the Tiv, but used farther south. Mixed strand with seed-like beads, some clear, some worn, and some apparently filed smooth. String of over 250 beads. Typical strands shown. (Half strand $75.00) | 22 | 125.00 |
| 245K | Proto-bead | Venice | Early trade bead, possible ancestor of both King beads and Cournalene d'Aleppo. Supplier says they are quite rare. 20m wide x about 18m long, chalky yellow. Per bead: | Ea. | 15.00 |
| 703a | Rattlesnake & King | Netherlands | Irregular white bands on black, "wound glass with trailed decoration" per Dubin #111 Traded into Ghana & found at North American Iroquois sites dating before 1763. 70 Rattlesnake 10-11m wide, 2 Eye or similar, 19 smaller green King beads. | 31 | 100.00 |
| 703b | Rattlesnake | Netherlands | Irregular white bands on black, "wound glass with trailed decoration" per Dubin #111 Traded into Ghana & found at North American Iroquois sites dating before 1763. 73 beads, 9-13m wide, most 7-10m long. | 26 | 80.00 |
| 703c | Rattlesnake & Others | Netherlands | Irregular white bands on black, "wound glass with trailed decoration" per Dubin #111 Traded into Ghana & found at North American Iroquois sites dating before 1763. Includes yelow-veined pieces, eye beads & other s similar to Rattlesnakes. 99 beads, 9-11m wide, most 7-9m long. Nice quality beads. | 27 | 100.00 |
 | 563u | Russian Blue (elongated) | Bohemia | Classic Cobalt Blue, faceted elongated beads, associated with North American trade. Long strand of generally matched beads, nice condition. | 30 | 210.00 |
 | 562 | Russian Blue (squared) | Bohemia | Squarish. Classic Cobalt Blue, associated with North American trade. Faceted, squarish shape, mostly 8m width. Long strands, matched beads in exceptiional condition. Your choice strands L, m. | 29 | 120.00 |
| 562u | Russian Blue (squared) | Bohemia | Darker colors, faceted squarish and round, mostly 10-12m width. Long strand of 76 beads. | 30 | 210.00 |
 | 672 | Skunk: Black | Venice | a.k.a. Crows eye, Eye bead. White or colored "eye" spots on round black beads. Beads are old & some are rough, have lost their spots. A high-value bead, traded into Ethiopia. Beads 10-11m. Strands available: 672a) 65 beads | 26 | 65.00 |
 | 674a | Skunk: Clear | Venice | a.k.a. Crows eye, Eye bead. White or colored "eye" spots on round semi-clear beads. Beads are old & some are rough. A high-value bead, traded into Ethiopia. 70 Beads 10-11m. | 28 | 90.00 |
| 673 | Skunk: Red | Venice | a.k.a. Crows eye, Eye bead. White Heart. White "eye" spots on round red beads over white core. A high-value bead, traded into Ethiopia. Beads 10-11m. A low cost substitute for the early Cournalene d'Aleppo white hearts. Long strand. Strands available: p | 38+ | 110.00 |
| 673c | Skunk: Red | Venice | a.k.a. Crows eye, Eye bead. White Heart. White "eye" spots on round red beads over white core. A high-value bead, traded into North America and Ethiopia. Beads 10-11m. Nice quality, $1.20/bead for 10 or more, or strand of about 70: (sample shown) | 28 | 70.00 |
| 673d | Skunk: Red | Venice | Strand including some poor quality beads. 72 beads Nice quality, $1.20/bead for 10 or more, or strand of about 70: (sample shown) | 30 | 40.00 |
| 673 | Skunk: Red | Venice | Single beads a.k.a. Crows eye, White heart. White "eye" spots on round red beads with white core. A high-value bead, traded into Ethiopia. Beads 10-11m. Dubin #95 "wound compound glass with polychrome dots." Ten or more at $1.25 each; Single bead: | Ea. | 2.50 |
| 601a | Tiger Stripe | Venice | Round variety of this higher value Venetian bead, called Gulbe in Africa. 45 beads of 14mm width. Exceptioinal condition, not new. | 20 | 150.00 |
| 250b | White Heart, Large | Venice | Cournalene d'Aleppo: Round form Red over white core. Among the oldest of White Heart types. Graduated string of 60 beads ranging 11-21mm. Cracks, chips, but generally nice for this type. | 34 | 185.00 |
| 252c | White Heart | Venice | Barrel form Cournalene d'Aleppo, Hudsons Bay Trade Beads: Among the oldest of White Heart types. Long strand of exceptional pieces, range 12-16mm wide, largest bead 26mm Single beads as they come $12 each, or $9/ bead for 3 or more, or $7.50 each for whatever remains of the strand. | 32 | 12.00 - 277.50 |
 | 252 | White Heart (Cournalene) | Venice | Barrel form Cournalene d'Aleppo, Hudsons Bay Trade Beads: Among the oldest of White Heart types. Strings available: 252a) Largest size beads, 12-16m wide. 26" string of 32 beads, longest 25m. Above average condition for this type. $100; 252h) Medium sized beads 9-11m wide. 28" string of 54, largest 18m long. Exceptional grade for type. $80; 252p) Small beads, 6-7m wide. 30" string of48, mostly 15m long. Excellent condition. $70 | 70.00 - 100.00 | |
 | 251 | White Heart (Cournalene) | Venice | Mixed types Cournalene d'Aleppo, Hudsons Bay Trade Beads: Among the oldest of White Heart types. Strings available: 251a) Medium size beads, generally12-16m wide, both round and barrel. 26" string, above average condition. $75; 251b) Medium size beads, generally12-16m wide, both round and barrel. 32" string, above average condition. $92.50 | 75.00 - 92.50 | |
| 250S | White Heart Set | Venice, etc. | Historical Set including now-expensive earlyCournelene d'Aleppo forms (Hudsons Bay Trade Bead) from ca. 1830s?. Named for the white core beneath the (usually) red exterior. One of the most widely traded beads, into the Orient, Africa, and Americas. 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 $24.50) (NOTE for completists: Other white hearts are "Proto-bead", White heart flower beads, and Skunk beads). | Set: | 19.50 |
| 623 | White Heart & Mixed | Venice | Mixed strand of oldest type of Cournalene d'Aleppo white hearts, plus other high-value beads. 623b) Huge 39" strand with several types of oldest white hearts in superior condition, plus King, millefiore, rattlesnake & other high value types $250 | 26 | 90.00 - 250.00 |
 | 667b | Flower White hearts | Venice | Round White-hearts with blue-on-white leaf pattern repeated 4x. 107 beads mostly 9-10m wide. Unusually nice condition for this fragile old type. I will sell a half strand at half price if you wish. | 40 | 325.00 |
| WHITE HEARTS | Venice | SEE ALSO Proto-beads (round White heart cores), Flower White hearts, and Skunk beads. | ||||
 | 724 | Yemen Agate | Idar- Oberstein? | Dark-and-white banded stone beads plus a few strays to make a pleasing necklace. Bead width 9-12+m. 724a 45" $75 ; 724b 36" | 36 | 65.00 |
| 721 | Collections, high value | Europe | Mainly types which sell for $50-100+ in full strands, much variety within strands. 721a ; 721b ; 721c ; 721d Each: | 27-28 | 85.00 |
| TRADE BEADS: MEDIUM VALUE | ||||||
| This category includes some types that were not valued highly in trade areas, but have become popular with collectors. Examples are the Rusian Blues because of their use in North America, and the Millefiore, now valued for its great beauty. | ||||||
 | 549 | Agate Glass | Bohemia? | Sextagonal, Flat, Red-Brown, plus ruby Red glass. Beads 12 & 17m wide. Broken strands. Your choice a), or b): | 25.00 | |
 | 778 | Agate, White | Venice | Large glass beads traded to the Yoruba. Milky white, semi-translucent with veins, they do look like stone. Good value in a large bead. Size of largest bead given for each scan: a, 77mm; b, 90mm; c, 90mm; d, 66mm; | 36 | 55.00 |
 | 504 | Bauxite Rounds? | Bohemia? | Dark Red disks, possibly imitating the African bauxite bead color?? Used by Yoruba of Nigeria. Beads 9m wide, 2m long. Sample shown. | 24 | 19.50 |
| 593 | Carnelian Glass | Round Glass beads imitating striped carnelian stone, mixed colors, sizes. Most 12-16m wide. Lot of five mixed: | Set: | 5.00 | |
 | 677 | Carnelian Glass | Germany | Visually convincing glass imitations of carnelian agate, from Germany, traded into Mali and Senegal. Most beads 10-15mm. Typical long strand shown. | 30 | 36.50 |
| 312 | Chevron, 6-layer | Venice | Single Beads Classic 6-layer Chevron, a.k.a. "Rosetta" bead, dating to late 19th & early 20th C. This bead mfr's sample card is early 20th C. 312a) 17x30m, nice quality $30; 312d) 24x38m, excellent quality $65; 312b,c) Large damaged pieces $12.50 ea.; 312x) Smaller dmaged pieces, width 13-20m, my choice $4.50; 312L) Lot of 5, mostly under 13m $12 | Each | 4.50 - 65.00 |
| 316 | Chevron, 4-layer | Venice | Set Classic 4-layer "Rosetta" bead, as with the 6-layer, dated to late 19th & early 20th C. 316s) Small beads, widths 5-7m. Lot of 5 pieces, different lengths & cuts. Sample lot shown, yours will differ $5.00; Single Beads: 317) Widths 15-20m your choice as available $3.50 each; | Each | 3.50 - 5.00 |
| 541 | Chevron, 4-layer | Venice | Classic 4-layer "Rosetta" bead, as with the 6-layer, dated to late 1800s. Strand 8-9m width, range 5-10m lengths. ; 541d) 95 beads, incl. some without usual bevel cut ends. Each: | 25 | 80.00 |
 | 609 | Czech Padre, Large | Bohemia | Unusual Orange color. Beads 14-15m wide. | 24 | 27.50 |
 | 760 | Czech "Crystal" | Bohemia | Faceted glass bead in a shape typical of cut crystal. Beads 38m long. | 24 | 69.50 |
 | 761 | Czech "Diamond" | Bohemia | Faceted glass bead in a shape typical of cut diamond. Strands available: a, b | 25-26 | 37.50 |
 | 572 | Dogs Tooth | Netherlands | Subtly scalloped round black bead with white belt, 9-11mm wide. Traded to the Igbo of Nigeria. Choice of strands: a | 24 | 65.00 |
 | 511B | Donut, Blue | Germany | Ca. 1860-97. One of the few trade beads attributable to Germany. Crude wound bead with unusually wide holes, making them easy to string on any cord. Widths mostly 8-12mm. Some rough or chipped. Sample shown. You may mix clear and blue types and take 3+ srands @ $29 each | 36 | 38.50 |
 | 511W | Donut: Clear | Germany | Ca. 1860-97. One of the few trade beads attributable to Germany. Crude wound bead with unusually wide holes, making them easy to string on any cord. Widths mostly 8-12mm. Some rough or chipped. Sample shown. You may mix clear and blue types and take 3+ srands @ $29 each | 36 | 38.50 |
 | 511Z | Donut: Modern | Faithful reproductions of the 19th Century German beads with usual crude appearance. Colors: Clear, Pink, Brown, Gold, Green. Blue, Dark Blue. $12.50 each if taking 3 or more strands. | 21 | 15.00 | |
 | 511R | Donut: Round | Germany | Ca. 1860-97. One of the few trade beads attributable to Germany. Crude round beads of clear glass. Graduated strand, bead widths 8-17mm. Most are rough & chipped. Sample shown. You may mix clear and blue types and take 3+ srands @ $29 each | 32-34 | 46.50 |
| 791 | Cane-cut Donuts? | Germany? | Similar to Donut beads, with large holes, but cane-cut. Clear glass. | 22 | 40.00 |
 | 753 | "Fancy" Beads | Venice | Black barrels with raised, trailed yellow banding. Most 6-11m long. "Fancy" beads with raised elements are usually much more expensive. | 22 | 35.00 |
 | 519a | French Cross, Yellow | Venice | Called Bodoum in Africa, yellow with cross of red, white & black, similar to a King bead. Supplier says these were "used to buy gold." Beads average 12m long, usually 44-52/strand as length varies. Similar Dubin 70a | 21-22 | 27.50 |
 | 518 | French Cross, Yellow Variants | Venice | Contemporaries of the French cross, but variations in shape or pattern. Scarcer than the classic cross variety, but cheaper due to lower demand. Please give second choice: a, b, c, d, e Tabular and Losenge shapes f, g, h, j, k Barrel shapes Some weathered beads in some strands, but generally a bargain at, EACH: | 21-22 | 17.50 |
| 519b | French Cross, White | Venice | Called Bodoum in Africa, white with cross of red, white & black This color was a trade item in the American southwest, which has caused a rapid rise in the price of those found in Africa. Similar Dubin 70a Found several strands of very nice beads: (see scan) | 21-22 | 55.00 |
 | 519q | French Cross, White Variants | Venice | Smaller, flatter beads with diagonal stripes. Beads 9-10m long, | 21-22 | 24.50 |
 | 519v | French Stripe | Venice | French cross but a brighter yellow and lengthwise stripes only. Sample shown. | 21-22 | 16.50 |
 | 708 | Fulani Necklace | Sahara | Brass bells interspersed with trade beads. 708a Blue, white & clear with stripes cane cut, 26" $50; 708b Striped, white-heart & feather beads, 26" $60 | 26 | 50.00 - 60.00 |
 | 777 | Great Lakes | Venice? | Swirled dark blue stripes on white, beads 12mm long. Associated with the American Indian trade in the midwest. This type also produced by the Dutch. Strands available: a, (b with a couple broken/short beads $69) | 26 | 75.00 |
 | 517AM | Green Chevron, Rounded | Venice | Also called Melon, watermelon, or Molonganame (Muly Yaghalama) beads in Africa Pinched-end, 4-layer Chevron, Broad green stripes over whte / red/ white. Rounded or slightly tabular shapes. Most beads 5 x 10mm. A) Dark blue-green stripes; M) Forest-green stripes. Each type: | 20-22 | 20.00 |
 | 517T | Green Chevron, Tabular | Venice | Also called Melon, watermelon, or Molonganame (Muly Yaghalama) beads in Africa Pinched-end, 4-layer Chevron, Dark green broad stripes over whte / red/ white. Tabular (Flat) Shape. Beads 4x9m, 55-60 beads per strand. | 30 | 37.50 |
 | 516 | Striped Chevron | Venice | Also called Melon, watermelon, or Molonganame (Muly Yaghalama) beads in Africa Pinched-end, 4-layer Chevron A) Red, Blue & Green stripes over white / red / white. M) Red & Green stripes over white / red / black. Both types beads about 5-7m wide x 9-14m long. (Short 22" strand of a for $22) Sample shown. Either type: See Watermelon Beads in the next category for a similar type | 28-30 | 30.00 |
| 678 | Green Hearts | Venice | Older green-hearts, probably 1700's, irregular dark red tubes over greenish cores. This lot from Africa. Bead widths 7-10m, average 130 per strand.. Typical long strand shown, note some cracked. SPECIAL: $15ea/3+, $12.50 ea./10+ | 36 | 25.00 |
| 678L | Green Hearts | Venice | Single Beads Older green-hearts, probably 1700's, irregular dark red tubes over greenish cores. This lot from Africa. Bead widths 7-10m. 7 pieces, mixed sizes from strand as shown: | Ea. | 2.50 |
| 536Y | Hebron: Yellow | Palestine / Sudan | Peter Francis in Beads of the World p.78 notes that, during the disruption of the Crusades, " . . .beadmakers apparently emigrated from Tyre on the Mediterranean coast to Hebron near Jerusalem sometime after the twelfth century. 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 Afriaca." Ugly beads, they look old, with porosity and chips. Traded to Sudan, where they are found today. Fighting in Darfur kept the traders away for a year or more, and now that some are coming back on the market they are asking $70 wholesale! Single beads 18-20mm: $3.50; Graduated strand of 49-52 beads: | 49.50 | |
 | 537 | Hebron (Kano): Blue | Palestine / Sudan | Medieval Palestine, traded to the Sudan. The fighting in Darfur took these beads off the market for a couple of years, and now that a few are trickling in, they are very expensive. BLUE Srands available: a | 20-21 | 130.00 |
 | 535 | Hebron (Kano): Green | Palestine / Sudan | Medieval Palestine, traded to the Sudan. The fighting in Darfur took these beads off the market for a couple of years, and now that a few are trickling in, they are very expensive. GREEN Srands available: a, b | 20-21 | 125.00 |
 | 536B | Baby Hebron | Palestine / Sudan | Small versions of this early bead from Palestine, shown with two usual Hebron beads for comparison. Can supply either baby or even smaller "infant" size. Each: | 25-26 | 29.50 |
 | 747 | European Hebron | (Sudan) | European-made versions of the ancient Hebron beads made in the middle east and popular in the Sudan. Beads about 20m wide. | 26 | 37.50 |
| 534 | Islamic Glass? | Red Sea? | Rough, dirty-yellow beads ranging 6-12mm across. I thought they were "baby Hebron" and did not ask the supplier about them, but on examination they are quite different - some look cane-cut while other have an odd pucker around the hole and do not sit flat, suggesting some unusual technique. Though cleaned, they show soil and are clearly excavated - possibly late Medieval Islamic? Graduated strand of 90+ beads. Sample strand shown. | 24 | 24.50 |
| 534R | Islamic Glass? | Red Sea? | Rough, brick-red beads ranging 6-12mm across. These came with the yellow group. Some look cane-cut while other have an odd pucker around the hole and do not sit flat, suggesting some unusual technique. Though cleaned, they show soil and are clearly excavated - possibly late Medieval Islamic? Graduated strand of 90+ beads. Sample strand shown. | 24 | 30.00 |
| 788 | Roman Beads | Europe? | Dark blue to black cane-cut beads of obvious age, varying sizes and shapes. My supplier knows only that they are called Roman Beads in the trade, nothing of their age or provenence. Sample strand shown. | 30 | 75.00 |
| 215b | King Bead Disks | Venice | Same porous, chalky yellow glass as classic King bead, but plain disks 17m wide. Traded into Ghana. Not much on market until recently. | 30 | 62.50 |
| 675c | King type, Mixed | Venice | Tubular beads in egg-yolk yellow as King beads, but variable patterns. A broad mixture of varieties on one strand. 59 beads, mostly 9-16mm long, as shown: | 26 | 75.00 |
 | 540k | Millefiore: Mixed | Venice | Yellow, brick red, Black; eye pattern. 41 beads, 9-10m wide, most 13m long. Short strand. | 22 | 60.00 |
 | 695b | Millefiore: Mixed | Venice | Black with eye theme. 29 Millie of 2 similar types, plus 19 eye & others with similar themes. Millies 10-14m wide, most 15-25m long. | 25 | 75.00 |
 | 540s | Millefiore: Matched | Venice | 3 Types, uneven mix, mainly yellows & greens. 57 beads, 9m wide, mostly 10-18m long. | 28 | 65.00 |
 | 695a | Millefiore: Matched | Venice | Wavy, irregular multicolor bands; psychedelic! I think this is called a "Kente" design after a type of African cloth. 35 beads, 11-13m wide, mostly 12-25m long. | 26 | 75.00 |
 | 695c | Millefiore: Matched | Venice | Black with bright Yellow eye design. 33 beads 11-12m wide, most about 20m long. | 27 | 75.00 |
 | 695d | Millefiore: Matched | Venice | Green & White barrel design bisected by multicolor banding. 54 beads, most 11-2m wide, most about 16m long. Long strand. | 32 | 80.00 |
 | 695e | Millefiore: Matched | Venice | Sunburst-in eye design, Black, White, brick Red, Yellow. 34 long beads, 8-10m wide, most 25-28m long. Long strand. | 37 | 80.00 |
 | 695f | Millefiore: Matched | Venice | Black with Red & Yellow eyes. 36 beads, 9-10m wide, most about 22m. | 31 | 75.00 |
 | 697a | Millefiore: Matched | Venice | Brick Red, White, Blue, Yellow. 35 large beads 20m wide, most 35/38m bevel cut ends. Very long string. | 46 | 100.00 |
 | 697b | Millefiore: Matched | Venice | Brick Red, White, Blue, Yellow. 56 beads 11m wide, most 16/21m bevel cut ends. Very long string. | 51 | 120.00 |
 | 697c | Millefiore: Matched | Venice | Dark Red, White, bit of Blue, 24 long beads, 10m wide by 30m long. Very long string. | 57 | 110.00 |
 | 697d | Millefiore: Matched | Venice | Blue, Black, Brick Red, White. 40 long beads, 11-12m wide, mostly 36m long. Very long string. | 59 | 120.00 |
 | 696a | Millefiore, Square: Mixed | Venice | 21 Purple with Brick Red, Yellow, Black design, plus 25 with mixed designs. 7m wide, most 12-15m long. | 25 | 75.00 |
 | 696b | Millefiore, Square: Matched | Venice | Black, White eyes with red or yellow centers. 40 beads, 9m wide, most 15-20m long. | 26 | 75.00 |
 | 696c | Millefiore, Square: Matched | Venice | Black with Yellow eyes with Brick Red & White bordrs. 70 beads, 10m wide, mostly 14/18m long bevel cut ends. Very long strand. | 44 | 100.00 |
| 209 | Millifore: Elbow | Venice | Most valuable of Millefiore shapes, long pieces with a bend: 209a) Yellow with red "eyes" 40+mm $9; 50-55m as shown $15; 209b) Green with blue "eyes" 50-55m $17.50 | Ea. | 9.00 - 17.50 |
| 210s | Millifore: Set | Venice | Wildly popular Mosaic or "many flower" design comes in endless colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes and was produced by a variety of techniques in Venice, late 1800's-1920s & later. For dealers and collectors they are a blue chip bead, increasing in value at least 5% / year since the 1980s. Quiggin p.39, Opitz p.57-58, Dubin #55. Set 0f 7 different lengths, patterns, including long 50+m, and square piece. | Set | 17.50 |
| 722 | Millefiore, Small | Venice | These small, tapered millies are considered rarer than the larger cane-cut types. Varied strands with some other higher-value strays. Strands 722d, 722e Each: | 28 | 75.00 |
| 722a | Millefiore & Others | Venice | Collection of 20 yellow + eye cylindircal Millefiore plus 30 other higher value beads, such as Tiger-stripe, an old striped bicone, etc. | 28 | 65.00 |
| 722c | Millefiore & Others | Venice | Varied strand with 42 Millefiore, flower, tiger, eye, fancy beads, etc. Lots of variety and color. | 27 | 80.00 |
 | 561 | Russian Blue (Africa) | Bohemia | Light Blue Squarish faceted beads. 7-12m widths. Traded into Africa & hence not as popular as darker type used in North America. Possibly associated with the Massai? 561e) 32" strand of graduated 7-12mm beads. some rough $45 | 45.00 | |
| 563 | Russian Blue (elongated) | Bohemia | Darker colors, elongated including elongated beads, associated with North American trade, wide variety of shapes and colors, mostly 5-6m widths. Your choice strands L, m, o | 24 | 45.00 |
| 563 | Russian Blue (elongated) | Bohemia | Darker colors, including elongated beads, associated with North American trade, wide variety of shapes and colors, mostly 5-6m widths. Your choice strands: LL, mm, nn | 29-32 | 58.50 |
| 563 | Russian Blue (elongated) | Bohemia | Darker colors, including elongated beads, associated with North American trade, wide variety of shapes and colors, mostly 5-6m widths. Your choice strands: pp, qq | 29-32 | 58.50 |
| 562 | Russian Blue (squared) | Bohemia | Darker colors, squarish associated with North American trade, range medium blue through black. Faceted, squarish shape, mostly 5-6m width. Your choice strands a | 20 | 27.50 |
 | 548 | Senegal Blue | Venice | Excavated beads from Senegal, product of Venice late 1700's-1800s? Range 2-8mm width. One strand has some green, another soe "Russian blue" mixed in. Strands available: a, | 28-30 | 35.00 |
| 625s | Sherpa Coral | Tibet (India) | Imitating Coral, these glass beads were made in India and traded into Tibet. Scan shows typical sets. 625s) Set of 9 sizes, shapes, and shades $12.50; 625t) Set of four basic shapes & shades $5.00 | Set | 5.00 - 12.50 |
| 212 | Talhakimt Pendants | Europe | Large, flat European-made glass beads imitating earlier stone and metal currency objects of the Tuaregs of the northern Sahara. Also called tanfouk, Niger glass, and Zinder beads. See Der Primitivgeldsammler 1989/1 p.23 #IV1,3. Opitz p.38, 64, A. Fisher Africa Adorned page 186. Range 47-54m tall. Your choice of color / style if in stock. Samples are shown for color and style, they are not the actual pieces in stock. $8.50 each per 3+ | 10.00 | |
| 212S | Talhakimt, Agate | Europe | Single beads Pink stone European-made beads used bythe Tuaregs of the northern Sahara. Called Zinder beads in Europe. See Der Primitivgeldsammler 1989/1 p.23 #IV1,3., Opitz p.38, 64. Specimens available: e, f (e is 28mm tall; shown enlarged) | Each | 20.00 |
 | 670r | Tomato | Venice | Large, slightly translucent beads, irregularly rounded, in yellow. Beads show age: some porosity. Traded into Ethiopia. Beads 22-24mm long, 26 per strand. Sample strand shown. | 23 | 48.50 |
 | 670y | Tomato, Yellow | Venice | Large, slightly translucent beads, irregularly rounded, in brilliant shades of red. Traded into Ethiopia. Beads 22-24mm long, 26 per strand. Sample strand shown. | 23 | 48.50 |
 | 512c | Tubular faceted | Netherlands? | Long, translucent. Supplier says these are called Peme in Nigeria. Four nearly clear beads, 38-40m long. Yellow beads cracked or crazed. | 23 | 37.50 |
| 512f | Tubular faceted | Netherlands? | Long, translucent. Supplier says these are called Peme in Nigeria. Mixture of red, yellow, milky white, 38-40m long. Yellow beads cracked or crazed. | 12.50 | |
 | 502G | Vaseline, green | Bohemia | Translucent forest green in unique short faceted bicone shape. Made. ca. 1830-1900 acccording to P. Francis. Beads 16m wide, usually mixed 7m. Ask for solid green, or with stray color beads included. Once commoner, seldom offered now. 502Gc Red, etc. mixed in; 502Gd Long, short, spacers, etc.; 502G) As main scan, long beads, but TAR on 10 beads: NOTE: The EXACT strand shown in the scan is not available. | 24-25 | 27.50 |
 | 502R | Vaseline, red | Bohemia | Translucent deep red in unique short faceted bicone shape. Made. ca. 1830-1900 acccording to P. Francis. Beads 14m wide, mostly10m long. Used to be commoner on market, seldom offered now. | 22 | 27.50 |
| 250S | White Heart Set | Venice, etc. | Historical Set including now-expensive earlyCournelene d'Aleppo forms (Hudsons Bay Trade Bead) from ca. 1830s?. Named for the white core beneath the (usually) red exterior. One of the most widely traded beads, into the Orient, Africa, and Americas. 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 $24.50) (NOTE for completists: Other white hearts are "Proto-bead", White heart flower beads, and Skunk beads). | Set: | 19.50 |
| 250 | White Heart Singles | Venice | Largest, oldest round Cournelene d'Aleppo in better than average grade. Beads are 15-22mm. I can not supply particular beads from the photo; please order by category: 250.1) Nicest pieces: $12 Per bead, or $9 each for 3 or more; 250.2) Fairly intact, but abrasively cleaned with loss of lustre SOLD; 250.3) Medium size 12-15mm beads but VERY sharp and clean $12.00 Each. | Each: | 12.00 |
| 251 | White Heart Singles | Venice | Medium-size old round Cournelene d'Aleppo in better than average grade. Beads are 10-14mm. I can not supply particular beads from the photo ($3 each per 5 or more) | Each: | 4.50 |
| 644a | Iron: Large | Nigeria | Crudely cast & variable beads with large central holes. Beads run 13-15mm across. Iron in any form was considered money in Africa. | 24 | 65.00 |
| 237s | Iron: Medium | Nigeria | Single Beads: Three rough 10m wide beads, plus two polished 6m beads. Iron in any form was considered money in Africa. Per set of 5: | Ea. | 3.50 |
| 645 | Brass: Rough | Nigeria | Crudely cast & variable beads with large central holes. Average 82 beads, 9m across. Recently cleaned, unfortunately. Any metal bead could have been used as money in Africa. Single Beads 3 beads: $3.50; 10 beads: 9.50; Full doubled strand: | 24 | 65.00 |
| 651 | Collection | Europe | Mixed collection of medium-value beads. A good way to build a collection of types which would be costly in full strings. Look them up in Dubin or other references. Multiple orders: I can select "different" strings, but there will be overlap. 2+ strands take 10% discount. "Specimen" strands (chosen randomly) for those who want to know exactly what they are getting: 651m ; 651n; 651h; 651j ; 651k $27.50 Each 651q; 651r ; 651s $27.50 Each | 25-26 | 24.50 |
| TRADE BEADS: LOWER VALUE | ||||||
| This category is dominated by the Czech beadmakers and their molded (seamed) beads, who gave Venice serious competition in the late 19th & erly 20th Centuries. | ||||||
 | 764 | Early wound: Orange | Venice | Crude wound beads, 5-7mm wide in a matte tangerine color. They look like Dubin #38 described as "Wound and drawn glass. 'Seed,' 'Pony,' and tubular beads". They also resemble beads found in medieval Saharan sites such as Djenne. Well worn. Possibly among the earliest Venice export beads, but I am just speculating. Found in Senegal and Gambia. | 22-23 | 13.50 |
 | 765 | Early drawn: Green | Venice | Crude drawn beads, 5-7mm wide in a semi-translucent green color. They look like Dubin #38 described as "Wound and drawn glass. 'Seed,' 'Pony,' and tubular beads". They also resemble beads found in medieval Saharan sites such as Djenne. Well worn. Possibly among the earliest Venice export beads, but I am just speculating. Found in Senegal and Gambia. | 22-23 | 13.50 |
 | 681 | Agate Glass | Venice? | Tubular faceted beads. The stone-like striations stop at the lengthwise seam, hardly good for the illusion that they are stone. Late 19th century. Two samples show the range of colors. Bead length 22m | 22+ | 21.00 |
 | 530a | Agate: squared | Idar Oberstein? | Stone beads, roughly losenge shaped plus a few rounded. 29 beads, largest 35 x 10 x 11m. | 24 | 20.00 |
 | 739 | Black Agate (glass) | Bohemia? | Ellipsoid & other shapes in jet black, sometimes with white bands. Traded into Nigeria. Strands available: b, c, d, e, f, g | 22 | 22.00 |
 | 725 | Black ridged | Bohemia? | Short, jet-black beads with 6 prominent ridges, beads about 5x5m. Samples shown. | 28 | 16.50 |
 | 780 | Black striped | Europe | Black cane-cut beads with alternating red & white lengthwise stripes. Beads 6mm wide x 10-11mm long. | 36 | 20.00 |
 | 631 | Blue White-heart | Europe | Small cane-cut blue over white core. Beads 2-3m long, range aqua to medium blue. Picard calls them rare. | 24 | 23.50 |
 | 532b | Brass Bicone | Kirdi, Cameroun | Modern? but crude. Worn by single Kirdi women in strands drooping below the belly to hide the genital area, so also called cache sexe beads. Strand of 40, mixed 15m wide fine style, and 13m wide cruder. | 20 | 45.00 |
 | 649 | Cassamance (Shipwreck) | Senegal | Milk white, rough and irregular tubular shaped beads from Venice, one local name being "Goombah". These have begun washing up on the beaches of Senegal's Casamance region along with green hearts (another crude, earlier type), evidence of a shipwreck. Beads range 4-12m length & width. Not pretty, so the Africans sell them cheaply. 649a) Goombah beads, 24" strands 8.50; 649s) Casamance beads (Goombahs from shipwreck) 32" strands ($10 each per 5 strands). Single strand: | 30-32 | 11.50 |
 | 612 | Colorado | Europe | a.k.a. Colodanto, Congoina. Large ellipsoids, mostly 13m wide, 16m long, with strays. Strands available, with lengths noted: a) 26"; b) 24"; d) 21"; e) 25" needs restringing. Each: | 15.00 | |
 | 612R | Colorado / Fulani | Europe | Bright red, a.k.a. Colodanto, Congoina. Large ellipsoids, mostly 13m wide, 16m long. Used by the Fulani. | 24 | 14.50 |
 | 510A | Cranberry | Bohemia | Dark red-brown when worn, they glow a deep red when held to the sun or a light. About 58 beads per strand. Beads mostly 8-10m. | 21 | 22.50 |
 | 510J | Cranberry | Bohemia | Dark red-brown, or translucent red. Round or multifaceted squares. Three samples shown, we will try to match your preference. Beads mostly 7-9m. SPECIAL: $12/strand if taking 3+ | 23 | 18.00 |
 | 510v | Cranberry: disks | Bohemia | Medium red-brown disks, most 7m, some 9m wide, by 4m long. | 26 | 30.00 |
 | 507 | Czech Cubes | Bohemia | Translucent red with white frosting. Molded, early 1900s. One of types called Kancamba (Kancamba) in Ghana. Beads 8m square, about 70 per strand. Two sample strands shown. | 25 | 18.50 |
 | 605B | Czech Padre | Bohemia | Molded beads imitating Chinese Padres. Most 8m wide. Red, orange, or dark Purple, your choice | 25 | 15.00 |
 | 528c | Dice Beads, Pink | Bohemia | Bevelled rectangles, Imitating dice. Peter Francis notes the irony of gambling-averse Muslims perferring this type of bead. Mostly 5m wide x 10m long. Commonest color, Pink (multiple strands shown) | 22-24 | 13.00 |
 | 528a | Dice Beads, Colors | Bohemia | Bevelled rectangles, Imitating dice. Peter Francis notes the irony of gambling-averse Muslims perferring this type of bead. Mostly 5m wide x 10m long. Solid strands of white, yellow, or blue, your preference as available: | 22-24 | 16.00 |
 | 528b | Dice Beads, Mixed | Bohemia | Bevelled rectangles, Imitating dice. Peter Francis notes the irony of gambling-averse Muslims perferring this type of bead. Mostly 5m wide x 10m long. Mixed strands, may not be an even mix, may NOT be strands or colors shown in scan. As they come: | 22-24 | 16.00 |
 | 528n | Dice, Unused | Bohemia | Shiny new beads, but from an old trading stock, not newly made. | 20 | 11.00 |
 | 552 | Dogbone (Drum) | Bohemia | a.k.a. Drum or Dondo (Ghana). Bright red. 49-50 beads, 10m wide x 13m long. Others sell these at $40+. | 26 | 25.00 |
 | 560 | Dogbone (Dumbell) | Bohemia | Bright red, about 4 x 9m. Called Coral Beads in Togo. a) 30" $25; b) 27" some darker $21SOLD; c) 30"? broken strand, including translucent pieces $25 | 25.00 | |
 | 738 | Elbow / Macaroni | Bohemia | Bright shades of red to orange. Traded into Senegal and Mali. Typical beads 7mm wide x 36mm long. Sample shown. | 24 | 20.00 |
 | 680 | Faith Necklace | Bohemia | When the Arabs were converting Saharan Africa to Islam, it was prudent to wear something showing you were already of the faith. Necklaces of red carnelian stone with flat, coinlike inscribed beads were popular. These are modern red glass equivalents made in Europe, probably c. 1800-1850. Called Hajj beads, possibly worn by pilgrims to Mecca. The smaller beads read Mohammed and the larger Allah Hasbi or similar phrases. Each is different, two samples shown. One-pendant necklace: $27; Two-pendant: $29; Three for $69 | 13 | 27.00 - 29.00 |
 | 706a | Flower-shape | Bohemia | Four knobs around central hole vaguely imitate flower shape. Beads 2x6m. a) Green, as shown; b) Green with some others mixed in: | 20 | 12.00 |
| 678 | Green Hearts | Venice | Older green-hearts, probably 1700's, irregular dark red tubes over greenish cores. This lot from Africa. Bead widths 7-10m, average 130 per strand.. Typical long strand shown, note some cracked. SPECIAL: $15ea/3+, $12.50 ea./10+ | 36 | 25.00 |
| 678c | Green Hearts | Venice | Short strands, older green-hearts, probably 1700's, irregular dark red tubes over greenish cores. This lot from Africa. Bead widths 7-10m, note many cracked. Sample shown. | 22 | 11.00 |
| 678L | Green Hearts | Venice | Single Beads Older green-hearts, probably 1700's, irregular dark red tubes over greenish cores. This lot from Africa. Bead widths 7-10m. 7 pieces, mixed sizes from strand as shown: | Ea. | 2.50 |
 | 678S | Green Heart Seeds | Venice | Tiny "seed" type dark red over a (very dark) green core. Traded into Southern Africa and Nagaland (India), this lot comes via Thailand. Beads about 2mm. Typical strand shown. | 24 | 20.00 |
 | 752 | Lemon Beads | Bohemia | Bright lemon-yellow beads, most 7m long. Shown also a tangerine colored strand. Each: | 28 | 11.00 |
 | 686B | Massai (Black) | Netherlands? | Glossy black square-cut tubular beads of the type called "Baya" in West Africa, where various colors are traded and black beads not preferred. These black are traded to the Massai of East Africa and are one of the types called Massai beads. Beads 5-6m. Typical strand shown. | 28 | 18.50 |
| 707 | Mauritania Necklace | N. Africa | Modern composition using old trade beads, some newer beads, shells, spindle-worls, etc. Simple bead clasp. Scan shows both sides. 707c 24 oz.; 707d 18 oz.; 707e 18 oz.; 707f 23 oz.; 707g 23 oz.; 707h 20 oz.; 707j 20 oz.; | 97.50 | |
| 515 | Watermelon | Venice | Also called Melon, watermelon, or Molonganame (Muly Yaghalama) beads in Africa. Pinched-end, solid colors with stripes (not Chevrons). Patterns are fairly consistent, but scan shows sample and yours may vary somewhat: a) Brown, black & white stripe; b) Green, red & white stripe; c) White, dark blue stripe; d) Yellow, Blue stripe; e) Egg-yolk Yellow, partial or worn away stripes; f) Yellow, orange & white stripes; m) Other patterns & mixed strands, as they come. Short strands. Mix or match @ $12 ea./3+ strands | 20-22 | 18.50 |
| 515S | Watermelon / Chevron | Venice | Single Beads Also called Melon, watermelon, or Molonganame (Muly Yaghalama) beads in Africa. Lot of 7 beads showing Chevron and solid-color, pinched and squared, and color varieties. Sample set shown. | Set: | 5.50 |
 | 509X | Modern White-heart | Czech | Modern version of this classic trade bead, still with a rough "wound" look, variety in shape and thickness, and the brilliant red produced by translucent glass over a white core. Wide holes for easy stringing. About 100 beads, 7m wide. $10 Ea / 3 strands. | 23 | 14.50 |
| 638 | Ostrich Eggshell | East Africa | Turkana, Samburu, Ovambo tribes. Rough roundish disks (7-10mm) of tough eggshell, center-pierced, about 200 per strand. A well-known odd & curious item & one of few beads from eastern Africa. Opitz p.246, Quiggin p.100,107 | 24 | 25.00 |
| 230 | Ostrich Eggshell | East Africa | Single Beads Turkana, Samburu, Ovambo tribes. Rough roundish disks (7-10mm) of tough eggshell, center-pierced A well-known odd & curious item & one of few beads from eastern Africa. Opitz p.246, Quiggin p.100,107. Ten beads, mixed sizes: | 3.00 | |
 | 531a | Padre: Tourquoise, White | China | 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. These are old, circulated Padres, not the more regular, often-seamed European copies. Commonest Turquoise Blue or White, Each: | 22-24 | 15.00 |
 | 531b | Padre: Scarce colors | China | Less common colors: Red, Yellow, or traslucent Blue (green SOLD). There are mixed shades within each string, and sometimes strays of other colors. | 22-24 | 16.50 |
 | 531d | Padre: Scarcest | China | Scarce colors: Black, mixed Black/Purple, or translucent Brown Each: | 22-24 | 27.50 |
| 531W | Padre: Multiples | China | Multiple strands For 3+ strands of 531a, 531b colors (and 559p, pink), price $14.50/strand. Inquire for larger quantities. | 22-24 | 14.50 |
 | 559p | Pink Padre? | China? | Wound bead of reddish-pink color, a little smaller than the usual tourquoise Padre bead, shown here for comparison. Possibly European made for trade with the Massai who like pink beads. | 22 | 14.50 |
 | 646 | Peking Glass: Old | China | The Chinese have been making crude, wound-type beads for trade for a long time. The rounded Padre beads are a well-known example. Colors: medium blue to purple-black; Shapes: Round & barrel; Width: 5-7m. Two sample strands shown. | 24 | 15.00 |
 | 733 | Red Triangle | Bohemia | Translucent red, 19mm on a side, about 36 per strand. Traded into Mali. Sample shown. | 22 | 14.50 |
| 561A | Russian Blue (Africa) | Bohemia | Squarish Blue-gray Small 4m width. Traded into Africa & hence not as popular as darker type used in North America | 22-23 | 15.00 |
 | 627 | Scallop | Bohemia? | Small Purple & White of complex shape, plus others. Mostly 5m wide. | 22 | 15.00 |
 | 577 | Sotro | Venice | Rounded yellow beads with red and blue or black stripes, called Sotro (bullet) in Ghana | 24 | 20.00 |
 | 608 | Vertebrae | Bohemia? | Squared brown dumbell shapes which fit together like snake vertebrae.. Beads 6m square. | 26 | 20.00 |
 | 253 | White Heart | Venice | Cane-cut, medium, 6m wide, mixed red & yellow | 24 | 17.50 |
 | 255 | White Heart | Venice | Cane-cut, small: Undr 4m wide x 4-5m long. Traded to Hill Tribes in Thailand / Burma. | 24 | 12.50 |
 | 258 | White Heart | Venice | Translucent colored glass over a white core, first made in Venice and traded all over the world in a variety of shapes and sizes. Older beads are red, but these (mid?) 20th Century varieties come in additional colors. Newer types traded into Africa: A) Red, 5-6m wide, N) Orange, 6-7m wide, B) Blue, 4-5m wide, C) Translucent Blue (but dirty!), 7m wide, (3 or more your choice $10 each) Each: | 20-23 | 12.50 |
 | 258AC | White Heart, Blue / Orange SPECIAL | Venice? | Variant on the older red white heart, these later (mid 1900s?) were traded into Ethiopia. Blue over white core, beads 6-7mm, or Orange 5-6mm. 3 or more strands $6.50 each. Each: | 20 | 9.00 |
 | 260 | White Heart Tubes | Venice | Familiar translucent red over white core, but in thin 2.5mm tubes in variable lengths up to 20mm. Traded into Nigeria, these have only recently come on the market. Short strands. Sample shown. | 20 | 15.00 |
| 651 | Collection | Europe | Mixed collection of medium-value beads. A good way to build a collection of types which would be costly in full strings. Look them up in Dubin or other references. Multiple orders: I can select "different" strings, but there will be overlap. 2+ strands take 10% discount. "Specimen" strands (chosen randomly) for those who want to know exactly what they are getting: 651m ; 651n; 651h; 651j ; 651k $27.50 Each 651q; 651r ; 651s $27.50 Each | 25-26 | 24.50 |
 | 44 | Indo-Pacific, Tradewind | East Indies | 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. Used by archaeologists to date sites throughout S.E. Asia. This type ca. 1200 AD. Strand of small (2-3mm) brick-red clay, about 225 beads/strand. Rough & irregular shape. Sample shown. | 21-22 | 18.50 |
| TRADE BEADS: SEED BEADS & LATER TYPES | ||||||
 | 568 | Awala Chevrons | Venice | Larger beads Small striped beads, some multi-layered, others not. "Awala" or Awally (Ghana). Widths 5-7m. Available: b, c, d, f (Samples). Many sellers offer these at $25-$35! $8 Ea Per 3+. Single strand: | 25-26 | 10.00 |
| 568 | Awala Chevrons | Venice | Larger beads Small striped beads, some multi-layered, others not. "Awala" or Awally (Ghana). Widths 5-7m. Available: g, h, k Each: | 25-26 | 12.50 |
| 569 | Awala Chevrons | Venice | Smaller beads Small striped beads, some multi-layered, others not. "Awala" or Awally (Ghana). Widths 3-4m. Available: a (22"), b, c, f, g (Samples). $6 Ea per 3+. Single strand: | 24-26+ | 8.00 |
| 569 | Awala Chevrons | Venice | Smaller beads Small striped beads, some multi-layered, others not. "Awala" or Awally (Ghana). Widths 3-4m. Available: m Each: | 24-26 | 10.00 |
| 568Z | Awala Chevrons: Bulk | Venice | Awally is the Ghanian name for these inexpensive trade beads. To save me the bother of sorting and photos, as they come: $6/3+ strands, $5/6+ strands. | 22 | |
| 790 | Ellipsoids | Europe | Bright colors in ellipsoid shape, usually about 7mm long, but lots of variety in size and even shape in this group. Samples shown. Bulk: $6/3+ strands, $5/6+ strands MY CHOICE of colors. OR, your choice of color if available, single strands: | 22 | 8.00 |
 | 686 | Baya, Bayon | Netherlands? | Called Baya in Gambia & Mali. 6-8m wide. White or mixed blue/ purple, as available. No yellow. Samples shown. | 23-26 | 12.00 |
 | 553 | Bayon | Netherlands | Purple short barrels. Called Bayon in Congo. A) Large, 11m wide x 7-8m long, 26" strand $12; B) Small, 7-8m wide x 5m long, 30" strand $9; C) White, 8-9m wide, 5-6m long, cruder, probably older (not shown) 28" strand $12 | 12.00 | |
 | 553 | Bayon | Netherlands | Mixed colar short barrels. Called Bayon in Congo. D) Mostly 6m wide by 6-7m long, 26" strands. Samples shown. $9; e) Many colors, mixed. 30" $13.50 | 13.50 | |
| 649 | Cassamance (Shipwreck) | Senegal | Milk white, rough and irregular tubular shaped beads from Venice, one local name being "Goombah". These have begun washing up on the beaches of Senegal's Casamance region along with green hearts (another crude, earlier type), evidence of a shipwreck. Beads range 4-12m length & width. Not pretty, so the Africans sell them cheaply. 649a) Goombah beads, 24" strands 8.50; 649s) Casamance beads (Goombahs from shipwreck) 32" strands ($10 each per 5 strands). Single strand: | 30-32 | 11.50 |
 | 604 | Concona (Padre) + Bell | Bohemia | Molded dark blue to purple beads imitating the wound Chinese Padres, with a crude brass money bell, from Cameroun. Sample shown. | 24 | 12.00 |
 | 605D | Czech Padre | Bohemia | Molded beads imitating Chinese Padres. Most 5-6m wide. (Purple, Pink, yellow, or red+yellow, not shown $9 Ea.) Blue: | 22-24 | 8.00 |
 | 603 | Gajakuro / Aramissi | Netherlands | Small, roughly ellipsoid blue, green, and black beads called Gajakuro in Ghana, Aramissi in Nigeria. Wound manufacture, likely pre-1900. Beads 4-5m wide, most 7m long. Strands black, blue+green, or mixed. | 22-24 | 11.50 |
 | 529 | Gumba / Fulani | Venice | Apparently Gumba is a generic Nigerian name for small purple beads. Also called Fulani beads. Two sizes: N) Barrels 4-5m wide. 28" strands $5 P) 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) | 5.00, 3.00 | |
| 687 | Not Russian Blue | Venice | Imitating the lighter variety of Russian Blue. Called "Janie" in some parts of Africa, possibly a corruption of Djenne. Slightly translucent blue tubes usually 12-13mm, two examples show range of color or toning. Set of 3 strands chosen for variety: $25.00; Per strand: | 22 | 11.00 |
 | 520 | Kancamba (Kancamba) | Bohemia | Larger beads (10+m widths) Molded disk beads in a variety of colors & sizes. Early 1900s. Dubin 125. Priced by strand: 520a 26" $20; 520b 23" $18; 520c 23" $18; 520d 26" $16; 520e 26" $16; 520f 22" $14; 520g 22" $14; 520h Green only $14; 520j Green & Grn/white mixed $14 | 14.00 - 20.00 | |
 | 521g | Kancamba | Bohemia | Green beads (under 10m widhs) Molded disk beads in a variety of colors & sizes. Early 1900s. Dubin 125. Click to see reduced-size scan: Available: gb ONLY | 22-24 | 12.00 |
 | 522 | Kancamba | Bohemia | Thick beads (mostly 9mwide x 7m long) Molded disk beads in a variety of colors & sizes. Early 1900s. Dubin 125. Available strands in scan: a, b, c, d. | 22 | 15.00 |
 | 559c | Massai (Pink) | Venice? | Pink beads favored by the Massai of Kenya, an unusual bead color. Small cane-cut (squared ends) about 200 per short 20" string. These are definitely what are called Massai beads. | 20 | 16.50 |
| 559mp | Massai? (Pink) | China? | Pink beads are favored by the Massai of Kenya. The cane-cut type shown here is definitely found there; I am uncertain whether the two wound types are also Massai items. 559p Wound, padre-sized dark-pink beads, about 110 per strand ($10 each per 5 strands), Per strand: $14.50; 559m) Wound, medium-sized beads, a mixture of two subtly different beads, one dark pink, the shaded more orange ($9 each per 5 strands) Per strand: | 20 | 12.50 |
 | 566a | Seed | Europe, etc. | Solid Strands 3-3.5m wide. Lowest value & commonest trade beads, made in Europe, China, India, etc. Your choice Red, Yellow, Blue as available. | 22-24 | 7.50 |
 | 585 | Seed, Black | Europe | Black Strands 2.5-3m width. | 22 | 2.50 |
 | 566W | Seed, White | Europe, etc. | White strands. Lowest value & commonest trade beads, made in Europe, China, India, etc. $6 Ea / 3; $5 Ea / 10. Per strand: | 24-26 | 7.50 |
| 566M | Seed & Others | Europe, China | Mixed Strands Various colors, including the more irregular, larger Chinese type, and small white-hearts | 24+ | 8.50 |
 | 580 | Seed / Fulane | Tiny seed beads, Widths 1.5m (green), 2.5m (blue, red), 3.2m (stripe). One of several types called Fulane beads in Ghana. Your choice, as available (Samples shown) $2 Ea per 5+ | 28 | 2.50 | |
| 566C | Seed: Chinese | China | Cruder and larger than European types, they look like tiny Padre beads. Shades of blue, samples shown. 3.5-5m wide. | 9.50 | |
 | 663 | Snake Beads, Large | Bohemia | Late 1800s, cleverly made to imitate nesting snake vertebrae which are used throughout Africa for divination. Bead width 9mm. Available either pink or purple or mixed (as shown). | 22 | 12.00 |
| 664 | Snake Beads, Small | Bohemia | Late 1800s, cleverly made to imitate nesting snake vertebrae which are used throughout Africa for divination. Bead width 6m. Will match your color preference if possible, but strands in scan are samples, not available. Mostly mixed colors on strands. | 22 | 10.00 |
 | 588 | Sokingkode | Europe | Tbular translucent Red. Called Sokingkode in Ghana. Bright (24") or Dark (22") Red strands. Beads 4m wide, 7-8m long. | 22/24 | 11.00 |
 | 599 | Translucent Disks | Europe | Small annular beads with pleasing luminous colors. Mostly 8-9m wide, 4m long. Green, Blue (shown), or Purple, or Red (smaller beads) | 24 | 11.00 |
| 257 | White Heart | Venice | Seed-bead sized, cane-cut & rounded. About 3m wide. Older dark-red beads. | 24 | 12.50 |
| ANCIENT & EARLY | ||||||
| Dating beads is difficult to impossible. Following are types which seem, from their appearance or excavation provenance, to come from the Roman period, the various Islamic beadmaking centers (Hebron, Fustat, Tyre, Damascus, etc.) which carried on the Roman tradition, or from the earliest century of the Murano Renaissance of the 15th Century. Many types were excavated in Jenné, an important south Saharan trade center from ancient times through the 18th Century. | ||||||
| 788 | Roman Beads | Europe? | Dark blue to black cane-cut beads of obvious age, varying sizes and shapes. My supplier knows only that they are called Roman Beads in the trade, nothing of their age or provenence. Sample strand shown. | # | 75.00 |
 | 750 | Silk Road Glass | Bactria (Afghanistan) | About 2005-06 a huge dump of broken glass dating to the 1st C. BC 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, and the dump was likely raw material for a bead factory. Local families excavate the fragments and cut it into rough bead shapes, preserving the unique sheen of ancient glass. Samples shown; yours will be very similar. 750a Flat buttons of mainly pale glass with round pendant $45SOLD; 750b Flat buttons of darker glass with triangular pendants $45; 750c Rectangular beads average 12x8x5m $52.50SOLD; 750d Larger fragments (largest shown 55m) most clearly showing ageing effects of ancient glass $65 | 18-20 | <65.00 |
| 536 | Hebron (Kano): Yellow | Palestine / Sudan | Peter Francis in Beads of the World p.78 notes that, during the disruption of the Crusades, " . . .beadmakers apparently emigrated from Tyre on the Mediterranean coast to Hebron near Jerusalem sometime after the twelfth century. 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." Traded to Sudan, where they are found today. Ugly beads, they look old, with porosity and chips. Single beads 18-20mm: $3.50; Graduated strand of 49-52 beads: | 23-24 | 49.50 |
| 537 | Hebron (Kano): Blue | Palestine / Sudan | Medieval Palestine, traded to the Sudan. The fighting in Darfur took these beads off the market for a couple of years, and now that a few are trickling in, they are very expensive. I am still selling yellow at $49/strand, while Traders are now asking $70 wholesale. BLUE Srands available: a, b | 20-21 | 130.00 |
| 535 | Hebron (Kano): Green | Palestine / Sudan | Medieval Palestine, traded to the Sudan. The fighting in Darfur took these beads off the market for a couple of years, and now that a few are trickling in, they are very expensive. I am still selling yellow at $49/strand, while Traders are now asking $70 wholesale. GREEN Srands available: a, b | 20-21 | 125.00 |
| 536B | Baby Hebron (Kano) | Palestine / Sudan | Small versions of this early bead from Palestine, shown with two usual Hebron beads for comparison. Can supply either baby or even smaller "infant" size. Each: | 25-26 | 29.50 |
| 534 | Islamic Glass? | Red Sea? | Rough, dirty-yellow beads ranging 6-12mm across. I thought they were "baby Hebron" and did not ask the supplier about them, but on examination they are quite different - some look cane-cut while other have an odd pucker around the hole and do not sit flat, suggesting some unusual technique. Though cleaned, they show soil and are clearly excavated - possibly late Medieval Islamic? Graduated strand of 90+ beads. Sample strand shown. | # | 24.50 |
| 534R | Islamic Glass? | Red Sea? | Rough, brick-red beads ranging 6-12mm across. These came with the yellow group. Some look cane-cut while other have an odd pucker around the hole and do not sit flat, suggesting some unusual technique. Though cleaned, they show soil and are clearly excavated - possibly late Medieval Islamic? Graduated strand of 90+ beads. Sample strand shown. | # | 30.00 |
 | 200 | Excavated Terracotta | Djenné | 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. | # | 7.50 |
| 201 | Excavated Terracotta | Djenné | From the medieval site in Niger on the Tumbuctu trade route, excavated terracotta beads 500-800 years old. Shades of orange and brown, slightly larger beads than the type which has been on the market for years. $50 / 10 strands. | # | 9.50 |
 | 544 | Dig Beads: Small | Jenne Jeno | Excavated beads, mostly stone, tiny, mostly 2-3m. Said to be 1000 years old. Mostly rough gray, some show colors when polished. 544a Regular strand; 544m Includes a few larger beads of same period. your choice: | 24+ | 16.50 |
 | 543 | Dig Beads: Colorful | Jenne Jeno | Excavated beads, mostly stone, larger beads, polished, in graduated strands. Widths 3-7+m. Dubin #1203 Your choice of randomy chosen specimens here, price $42.50 each, or my choice at: | 22-24 | 39.50 |
| 543v | Dig Beads | Jenne Jeno | Excavated beads, stone, larger beads, unpolished. Widths 5-8+m. Available either 543w, unpolished (exact strand shown) or 543v slightly polished (sample strand shown) | 26 | 45.00 |
| 543y | Dig Beads | Jenne Jeno | Excavated beads, Yellow glass, 107 beads graduated from 6-9m widths. | 22 | 34.50 |
 | 691 | Jenne-Jeno Carnelian | Sahara | Excavated at the ancient trade center of Jenne-Jeno on the upper Niger river, bright beads ranging 5-12m wide. Sample shown. | 24-26 | 47.50 |
 | 692 | Jenne-Jeno Carnelian | Sahara | Excavated at the ancient trade center of Jenne-Jeno on the upper Niger river, rough, matte beads ranging 7-16m wide. Sample strand shown. | 24-26 | 47.50 |
 | 737 | Colorful Dig Beads | Mali, Senegal | Excavated glass in mixed colors, said to be 1000 yers old as the Djenne-Jeno type. Some stray modern beads in strands. Larger end of each strand shown. Strands available: a, b, c, d, e f, g, h, j, k | # | 35.00 |
 | 643 | Soft Stone | Ghana | Crude, excavated beads made of a soft, soapy stone, range 10-14+m. No info on age; they began appearing with the Traders in 2006. Sample strand shown. | # | 15.50 |
 | 734 | Niger Granite | Niger | Rough grey chunks, avg. 11mm wide, clean-looking from tumbling but some soil adhesions. Age unknown, but at least 200-300 years old. Sample shown. | # | 27.50 |
 | 735 | Mali Granite | Mali, Senegal | Polished ellipsoids, average 6-9mm width, supplier says 1600s-1700s. Strands available: a, b | # | 50.00 |
| 736 | Mali Granite | Mali, Senegal | Polished barrels, ellipsoid, etc., average 8-15mm width, supplier says 1600s-1700s. Strands available: a, b (736c) Strand c, larger beads, largest bead 43x30m $85) | # | 70.00 |
| 263 | Togo Stone (Large) | Togo? | White quartz disc with drilled hole, rubbed in reddish earth. Found in hoards, they are likely a very early bead money, though both their original and modern uses are unclear. 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. Rivallain pl.32, Opitz p.275, Quiggin p.60 & pl.3 #3. "Stone" size: under 40-45m, 33-80gm (3 for $37.50; 263t) STRING of 40 stone-size pieces on native fiber, as obtained from the Africa Traders. An amazing necklace at a great price. $225). Single bead: | 14.50 | |
 | 263R | Togo Stone (Small) | Togo? | White quartz disc, smaller, rough pieces: 18-25mm (3 for $12.50, inquire for larger quantity) | Each: | 5.00 |
| 263S | Togo Stone (Set) | Togo? | White quartz disc with drilled hole, rubbed in reddish earth. Found in hoards, they are likely a very early bead money, though both their original and modern uses are unclear. 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. 263 Large 30-45mm $14.50; 263R Small 18-25mm, rough $5; 263S Set of four (not five) stones, different sizes, plus one small rough type: | Set: | 37.50 |
| 764 | Early wound: Orange | Venice | Crude wound beads, 5-7mm wide in a matte tangerine color. They look like Dubin #38 described as "Wound and drawn glass. 'Seed,' 'Pony,' and tubular beads". They also resemble beads found in medieval Saharan sites such as Djenne. Well worn. Possibly among the earliest Venice export beads, but I am just speculating. Found in Senegal and Gambia. | 22-23 | 13.50 |
| 765 | Early drawn: Green | Venice | Crude drawn beads, 5-7mm wide in a semi-translucent green color. They look like Dubin #38 described as "Wound and drawn glass. 'Seed,' 'Pony,' and tubular beads". They also resemble beads found in medieval Saharan sites such as Djenne. Well worn. Possibly among the earliest Venice export beads, but I am just speculating. Found in Senegal and Gambia. | 22-23 | 13.50 |
| 309a | Chevron, 7-layer | Venice | Single Bead Classic 7-layer Chevron, a.k.a. "Rosetta" bead, possibly first made by Romans, but the earliest Venetian 7-layers are dated to 1480-1580 and heralded the Renaissance of European beadmaking. An important trade bead of the era. See Quiggin color plate, #7. Today larger (length & diameter) beads are worth much more than smaller ones. This is larger than most: 27x40m and clearly shows the inner translucent green layer which is often lost to string wear. | Each | 195.00 |
| 545 | Dutch Dogon | Holland | Large beads. Crude, wound type, always found well worn. One of the oldest trade beads, made in Amsterdam 1580s & later, but probably also Bohemia, Venice, etc. Called "Opates" in Ghana. Dubin #101-102. 545f) Long 34" string of 49 with a great variety of sizes, shapes and colors; 3 green beads especially rare. Generally nice condition for Dogons $185.00; 545k) Shorter strand of classic cobalt blue rounds, 36 beads $55.00 | <185 | |
| 545 | Dutch Dogon | Holland | Graduated Blue to black, graduated strand of mostly round beads. One of the oldest trade beads, made in Amsterdam 1580s & later, but probably also Bohemia, Venice, etc. Dubin #101-102. 545g $90; 545c $90; | # | <90.00 |
| 44 | Indo-Pacific, Tradewind | East Indies | 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. Used by archaeologists to date sites throughout S.E. Asia. This type ca. 1200 AD. Strand of small (2-3mm) brick-red clay, about 225 beads/strand. Rough & irregular shape. Sample shown. | 21-22 | 18.50 |
 | 690 | Mummy Bead Necklace | Egypt | Necklaces with new brass and imitation "mummy beads". Supposedly they contain "old" beads as well, but that may be a tale to sell these to tourists. All wearable. Longest (B) is 13". Necklaces availabale: A, B, C, D | 16.00 | |
| AFRICAN - MADE BEADS | ||||||
| This group ranges from Medieval Jenne-Jeno excavated types to modern beads, from trade beads to jewelry. Many beads are in metal, terracotta, or natural materials.. | ||||||
 | 741 | Aluminium Squares | Ethiopia | In the late 19th Cent. before a cheap extraction process was invented, aluminium 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. 741a) "Soft" square beads, filed or worn $15; 741b) "Hard" square beads, less worn, sharper edges $15; 741s) One strand each $25 (Note: there are strays in each strand.) | 30-32 | 15.00 |
| 626 | Bauxite | Nigeria | Rough earth-red beads from clay rich in aluminium ore, a distinctive African bead. Scan shows typical examples of 3 bead sizes; yours will be similar: 626S) Small Beads 4-6m wide, strand 22" $11.50; 626M) Medium Beads 8-10m wide, strand 28" $14.50 626L) Large Beads 10-12m wide, and much longer, strand 26-28" $23.50 626t) Single beads Three beads of varying length, 7-11m widths $3.50 | 22-28 | 3.50 - 23.50 |
 | 785 | Baule Amulet Necklace | Ivory Coast | Charm necklaces featuring large coin-like brass pieces with bead spacers. 785a) Cosmology symbols on 46mm disks with braided rope borders, white-heart spacers. 30" Length; 785d Stylized animal figures on 59mm disks with toothed borders, blue & green bead spacers. 42 inch Length. EACH: | 35.00 | |
 | 743 | Cosmology Beads | Baule, Ivory Coast | Brass beads with round animist cosmological symbol. Modern, but show some use. A has 30 pieces 20mm long (single bead $2); B has 29 pieces SOLD; C has 20 piecesSOLD 28mm long. Each strand: | 22 | 20.00 |
 | 702 | Brass Bicone Necklace | Fulani | Traditional Fulani necklace (restrung) with old brass bicones and more elaborate shapes. Beads show age. | 25-26 | 55.00 |
 | 532e | Brass Bicone, Ethiopia | Ethiopia | Fairly modern but well used. Unlike the similar Kirdi (Cameroun) these show seams indicating a laborious wrapping process rather than casting. Africa Direct offers them as trade beads, but cites no evidence. I would guess they are ornamental. Beads 8-9mm long, about 100 per long strand. ($8 each per 5+ strands) | 36+ | 12.00 |
| 645 | Brass: Rough | Nigeria | Crudely cast & variable beads with large central holes. Average 82 beads, 9m across. Recently cleaned, unfortunately. Any metal bead could have been used as money in Africa. Single Beads 3 beads: $3.50; 10 beads: 9.50; Full doubled strand: | 24 | 65.00 |
| 649 | Cassamance (Shipwreck) | Senegal | Milk white, rough and irregular tubular shaped beads from Venice, one local name being "Goombah". These have begun washing up on the beaches of Senegal's Casamance region along with green hearts (another crude, earlier type), evidence of a shipwreck. Beads range 4-12m length & width. Not pretty, so the Africans sell them cheaply. 649a) Goombah beads, 24" strands 8.50; 649s) Casamance beads (Goombahs from shipwreck) 32" strands ($10 each per 5 strands). Single strand: | 30-32 | 11.50 |
 | 632 | Coconut Disks | Nigeria | Used in divination. Age uncertain, but not new. Strands: a) 18", mixed sizes, Ostrich eggshells & white beads (shown) $12; b) Long 36" strand, disks 10-15m $12.50; c) 21" Small 8-10m disks $7.50 ; d) 24-26" strand, disks 11-17mm $9.50; e) 30" strand, disks 11-13mm $9.50 | 9.50 | |
| 671 | Copal Amber | Ethiopia | Copal is an immature form of amber, and was often imitated in plastic by European traders. I do not know whether these are natural copal or "German plastic" but they apper old, and were traded into Ethiopia where they were highly valued. See Francis Beads of the World p.35 for the difficulties of testing. Beads 20x25mm. Strands available: 671a) 27 beads; 671b) 29 beads | 26 | 95.00 |
 | 635 | Copper Tube Beads | Ethiopia | Thin sheet copper rolled into 7-9mm tubes and strung. Copper is the major currency metal in Africa, but these are probably a modern item for wearing. Tubes 4m x 9-10m. | 18-20 | 9.50 |
 | 742 | Natural Coral | Mali | Vivid orange sticks and chunks of coral. They look fragile but are actually fairly sturdy. Rounded ends, nothing sharp. New on market. | 22 | 42.50 |
| 787 | Darfur beads | Africa? | Brass beads with knobs and bars, two basic designs. Supplier says found in Darfur (Sudan) but uncertain where they were made. About 50-60 per strand, about 9-11mm long, 2mm holes. Single Beads: $2 each/3+; $1.50 each/10+; Strands available: a, b; Give second choice if possible. | 24 | 65.00 |
| 789 | Fulani Brass | Nigeria | Old beads of unusual shape, they remind me of a daisy, 300+ on a long strand. Single beads: .90 each/3+, .60 each/10+ Strand: | 30 | 135.00 |
| 544 | Dig Beads: Small | Jenne Jeno | Excavated beads, mostly stone, tiny, mostly 2-3m. Said to be 1000 years old. Mostly rough gray, some show colors when polished. 544a Regular strand; 544m Includes a few larger beads of same period. your choice: | 24+ | 16.50 |
| 543 | Dig Beads: Colorful | Jenne Jeno | Excavated beads, mostly stone, larger beads, polished, in graduated strands. Widths 3-7+m. Dubin #1203 Your choice of randomy chosen specimens here, price $42.50 each, or my choice at: | 22-24 | 39.50 |
| 543v | Dig Beads | Jenne Jeno | Excavated beads, stone, larger beads, unpolished. Widths 5-8+m. Available either 543w, unpolished (exact strand shown) or 543v slightly polished (sample strand shown) | 26 | 45.00 |
| 543y | Dig Beads | Jenne Jeno | Excavated beads, Yellow glass, 107 beads graduated from 6-9m widths. | 22 | 34.50 |
| 737 | Colorful Dig Beads | Mali, Senegal | Excavated glass in mixed colors, said to be 1000 yers old as the Djenne-Jeno type. Some stray modern beads in strands. Larger end of each strand shown. Strands available: a, b, c, d, e f, g, h, j | 28 | 35.00 |
| 534 | Islamic Glass? | Red Sea? | Rough, dirty-yellow beads ranging 6-12mm across. I thought they were "baby Hebron" and did not ask the supplier about them, but on examination they are quite different - some look cane-cut while other have an odd pucker around the hole and do not sit flat, suggesting some unusual technique. Though cleaned, they show soil and are clearly excavated - possibly late Medieval Islamic? Graduated strand of 90+ beads. Sample strand shown. | 24 | 24.50 |
| 534R | Islamic Glass? | Red Sea? | Rough, brick-red beads ranging 6-12mm across. These came with the yellow group. Some look cane-cut while other have an odd pucker around the hole and do not sit flat, suggesting some unusual technique. Though cleaned, they show soil and are clearly excavated - possibly late Medieval Islamic? Graduated strand of 90+ beads. Sample strand shown. | 24 | 30.00 |
| 200 | Excavated Terracotta | Djenné | 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; $45/ 10 strands. | 36 | 7.50 |
| 201 | Orange Terracotta | Djenné | From the medieval site in Niger on the Tumbuctu trade route, excavated terracotta beads 500-800 years old. Shades of orange and brown, slightly larger beads than the type which has been on the market for years. $55 / 10 strands. | 38 | 9.50 |
| 680 | Faith Necklace | Bohemia? | When the Arabs were converting Saharan Africa to Islam, it was prudent to wear something showing you were already of the faith. Necklaces of red carnelian stone with flat, coinlike inscribed beads were popular. These are modern equivalents, probably c. 1800-1850, in red glass. Called Hajj beads, possibly worn by pilgrims to Mecca. The smaller beads read Mohammed and the larger Allah Hasbi or similar phrases. Each is different, two samples shown. One-pendant necklace: $27; Two-pendant: $29; Three for $69 | 13 | 27.00 - 29.00 |
| 702g | Fulani Bell Necklace | West Africa | Short strand of brass bicone & rounded beads with a few bells. Strands available: g, h | 21-22 | 30.00 |
 | 607 | Gankodana Necklace | Ghana | European Padres with crude, rusty iron pendant attached. Said to be worn by chiefs in Ghana. Strand plus pendant 38" | 24 | 18.50 |
| 784 | Green Bloodstone | Africa | Polished hard stone, mostly dark green, many in heart shape. Supplier says it is called bloodstone because it is usually found in red. Possibly excavated, they show signs of wear. Sample shown | 32 | 46.50 |
 | 615 | Hishi: Brass | Kenya? | Small loops of drawn brass wire ("hishi, heishi") crimped by hand. Used as spacers in jewellery. Not an old trade bead. 3.5m wide. | 25 | 12.00 |
 | 524 | Hishi: Copper | Kenya | Small loops of drawn copper wire ("hishi, heishi") crimped by hand. Used as spacers in jewellery. Not an old trade bead. Three sizes of loops available. Your choice $4.50 each Per 10; $5.50 each per 3. Single strand: | 15+ | 7.00 |
| 644a | Iron: Large | Nigeria | Crudely cast & variable beads with large central holes. Beads run 13-15mm across. Iron in any form was considered money in Africa. | 24 | 65.00 |
| 237s | Iron: Medium | Nigeria | Single Beads: Three rough 10m wide beads, plus two polished 6m beads. Iron in any form was considered money in Africa. Per set of 5: | Ea. | 3.50 |
| 691 | Jenne-Jeno Carnelian | Sahara | Excavated at the ancient trade center of Jenne-Jeno on the upper Niger river, bright beads ranging 5-12m wide. Sample shown. | 24-26 | 47.50 |
| 692 | Jenne-Jeno Carnelian | Sahara | Excavated at the ancient trade center of Jenne-Jeno on the upper Niger river, rough, matte beads ranging 7-16m wide. Sample strand shown. | 24-26 | 47.50 |
 | 701 | Krobo, New | Ghana | Huge modern beads made from powdered glass. Crude & rough. (Korobo) Thirty beads, about 32x26mm, your choice of green, cobalt blue, light blue. Note: I've seen smaller beads of this type; these are huge. | 30+ | 27.50 |
 | 633 | Malachite Choker | Congo | Graduated strand with clasp, beautiful veined green stone. I stay away from "new" beads but these were to pretty to pass up. | 20 | 18.50 |
| 735 | Mali Granite | Mali, Senegal | Polished ellipsoids, average 6-9mm width, supplier says 1600s-1700s. Strands available: a, b | 24 | 50.00 |
| 736 | Mali Granite | Mali, Senegal | Polished barrels, ellipsoid, etc., average 8-15mm width, supplier says 1600s-1700s. Strands available: a, b (736c) Strand c, larger beads, largest bead 43x30m $85) | 25 | 70.00 |
| 734 | Niger Granite | Niger | Rough grey chunks, avg. 11mm wide, clean-looking from tumbling but some soil adhesions. Age unknown, but at least 200-300 years old. Sample shown. | 26 | 27.50 |
| 223s | Munshi Beads | Sahara | Sngle 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 p.60 fig.9, Johansson 50,54, supl14 #65, PS1987/3. From an old purchase Each: $4.00, 3 diff sizes $10.00; mini-string of 12 pieces $35.00 | 2.50 - 25.00 | |
| X224s | Moulay Beads: Set | Nigeria | Set Derived from older Munshi beads of the Tiv, but used farther south. Beads look like seeds with loops and range 10-14mm. Some are worn, and others have apparently been filed down to bevels. Apparently still made and used, the Traders sell sharp, unused strands much more cheaply. Set of 3 beads from each stage (12) showing variations: | Set | 15.00 |
| 224bc | Moulay Beads | Nigeria | Derived from older Munshi beads of the Tiv, but used farther south. Mixed strand with seed-like beads, some clear, some worn, and some apparently filed smooth. String of over 250 beads. Typical strands shown. (Half strand $75.00) | 22 | 125.00 |
| 690 | Mummy Bead Necklace | Egypt | Necklaces with new brass and imitation "mummy beads". Supposedly they contain "old" beads as well, but that may be a tale to sell these to tourists. All wearable. Longest (B) is 13". Necklaces available: A, B, D | 16.00 | |
| 641 | Natural Amber | Gambia | Natural tree amber from Gambia, roughly shaped into beads of 12-20+m and holed with a hot poker. Old amber (and imitation) beads were important trade items in Africa. These are new beads, but good representations. 641a) 50-60+ per 24" strand $35; 641b) Longer 36" strand: | 36 | 45.00 |
| 641S | Natural Amber | Gambia | Single Beads Natural tree amber from Gambia, roughly shaped into beads of 12-18m and holed with a hot poker. Old amber (and imitation) beads were important trade items in Africa. These are old amber, but new beads. Five mixed sizes: | Ea | 4.50 |
| 638 | Ostrich Eggshell | East Africa | Turkana, Samburu, Ovambo tribes. Rough roundish disks (7-10mm) of tough eggshell, center-pierced, about 200 per strand. A well-known odd & curious item & one of few beads from eastern Africa. Opitz p.246, Quiggin p.100,107 | 24 | 25.00 |
| 230 | Ostrich Eggshell | East Africa | Single Beads Turkana, Samburu, Ovambo tribes. Rough roundish disks (7-10mm) of tough eggshell, center-pierced A well-known odd & curious item & one of few beads from eastern Africa. Opitz p.246, Quiggin p.100,107. Ten beads, mixed sizes: | 3.00 | |
 | 2167 | Prayer Beads | Ethiopia | Hollow, silver-plated beads (66-68) with endpiece and colorful yarn tassles. Crude, wearable. Age uncertain. | 42 | 11.50 |
| 770 | Fulgurites | Niger | Tubes of light brown sand fused by lightning strikes which have been partially smoothed and cut to bead length. Some have natural ends or branches. As evidence of ancient thunderstorms, climatologists study fulgurite finds to learn about Saharan climate change, but peoples in the region have collected and crafted these items for centuries. Closeup Strands available: ; b; c | 25 | 55.00 |
 | 665 | Snake Bones | Africa | Actual snake Vertebrae, used in divination throughout Africa. Larger bones (C,D,E) graduated sizes. A) Bones 6-8m wide $26.50; B) 9-11m $29.50; C) 10-15m $37.50; D) About 15m, pale color $50SOLD; E) 10-20m, long 35" strand $65 | 24-26 | 26.50+ |
| 643 | Soft Stone | Ghana | Crude, excavated beads made of a soft, soapy stone, range 10-14+m. No info on age; they began appearing with the Traders in 2006. Sample strand shown. | 26 | 15.50 |
| 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 40-50mm across. Size 40-50m across. Single beads of my choice are available, a) plain $9; b)with etched designs $12. Strand of 33: | 200.00 | |
| 2507 | Spindle Whorls | Mali | 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. Black with white patterns, Bead width 25-30mm; Single beads: $3.00 each; 2507a Strand $62.50; 2507b Strand | 26 | 70.00 |
 | 523 | Talari (Hishi: Silver) | Ethiopia | Small loops of drawn wire ("hishi, heishi") made from nickel-silver. The name comes from the Maria Theresa Taler (Maria Teresa Thaler), 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. Set of a) Hishi, 3.5m wide, and b) Barrel bead, 2.5m wide $21.50; or per strand: | 30+ | 12.50 |
 | 642 | Terracotta Wedding Beads | Gambia | String of large orange & burnt oblong terracotta beads. Supplier says they are used in weddings by the Malenke and Mandinka of Gambia. They do not show much external wear or string-wear; age uncertain. Eleven beads, range 3-3.5 inches each. | 36 | 40.00 |
| SAND CAST, AKOSO, or KROBO BEADS | ||||||
| 712p | Akoso | Ghana, Togo | Status beads of the Kings & nobility of the Ewe (= Krobo?). Ground trade beads are fused in clay moulds. These are well-worn examples of the "classic" period ca. 1870s-1910s. Graduated strand LENGTHS range 8mm - 19mm. 130 beads on super long strand. 44 | 310.00 | |
 | 698 | Abu-Dhabi | Ghana | Tapered cylinders of dark glass with bright trailed stipes, imitating a c.1850s Venetian type which Dubin (#61a) calls "wound glass with polychrome decoration." Made by the Asanati peoples. 698a) Black core, 44 beads mostly 10x14mm, fairly bright $89.50; 698b) Dark green core, 39 beads mostly 10x17-18mm, worn to a matte finish $75.00 | 26-28 | 75.00 - 89.50 |
 | 715a | Akoso Strand | Ghana, Togo | Status beads of the Kings & nobility of the Ewe (= Krobo?). Ground trade beads are fused in clay moulds. These are well-worn examples of the "classic" period ca. 1870s-1910s. (These types & many others have been made since from bottle glass.) Strand of 15-17mm long bicone & 5-9mm rounded. | 24 | 70.00 |
 | 676 | Coral (sand cast) | Ghana | Krobo people. Glass beads in many shapes and sizes imitating coral, 1900s but not new. Strands available: a, b, c, d, e f, g, h, j, k | 26 | 20.00 |
 | 719 | Sand Cast: Black | Ghana | Sand-cast or "pop bottle" beads made of powdered glass, generally imitating European trade beads. Black strands available: a) Long 36" with matte finish imitating "rattlesnake" or granite pattern $25; b) 28" strand with "rattlesnake" or granite pattern $18; c) 30" strand with white stripes. Shows use. $12 | 12.00 - 25.00 | |
 | 682 | Sand Cast: Stripes | Ghana | 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 $12.50; B) Large beads, Matte (tumbled) surface, 22" $10; C) Medium beads, 7-10mm, Matte surface, 20-22" strands $9; 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 | Ghana | 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 | Ghana | 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 | |
 | 685 | Sand Cast: Solid Blue | Ghana | Sand-cast or "pop bottle" beads made of powdered glass, S) Small, Modern beads, but cheap! 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. | 28 | 4.85 - 11.00 |
| 682Z | Sand Cast: Bulk | Ghana | 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. (Separate item: 682ZL) Lot of about 14 broken strands, as shown $65) | Unit | 150.00 |
| 701 | Huge Krobo, New | Ghana | Huge modern beads made from powdered glass. Crude & rough. (Korobo) Thirty beads, about 32x26mm, your choice of green, cobalt blue, light blue. Note: I've seen smaller beads of this type; these are huge. | 30+ | 27.50 |
| BEADS OF ASIA, the ORIENT & OCEANIA | ||||||
| 750 | Silk Road Glass | Bactria (Afghanistan) | About 2005-06 a huge dump of broken glass dating to the 1st C. BC 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, and the dump was likely raw material for a bead factory. Local families excavate the fragments and cut it into rough bead shapes, preserving the unique sheen of ancient glass. Samples shown; yours will be very similar. 750a Flat buttons of mainly pale glass with round pendant $45; 750b Flat buttons of darker glass with triangular pendants $45; 750c Rectangular beads average 12x8x5m $52.50; 750d Larger fragments (largest shown 55m) most clearly showing ageing effects of ancient glass $65 | 18-20 | 45.00 - 65.00 |
 | 648 | Carnelian | Cambay, India | Rough stone beads traditionally quarried in Cambay and traded into Nagaland for shaping, these come from the Africa trade. Beads range 4-11+mm with polished pieces mixed in. Typical strand shown. | 20 | 28.50 |
 | 280 | Carnelian | Tibet | Probably a decorative rather than a trade item. Sold by weight @ $1.75 per gram. Most pieces are 4-7 grams. Samples shown, price $7 - $12.50. | Each | |
 | 207a | Cowrie Belt | Burma / Yunnan | Karen & Chin Tribes, 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 | Burma / Yunnan | Karen & Chin tribes of Burma & Yunnan: "Broken back" cowries strung side by side on rattan strips forming belt: f) Incomplete belt of 154 brown toned pieces, 24" $45;; g) Full belt of 240 cowries, length about 32", some breaks in rattan, so too fragile to wear $85 | 45.00 - 85.00 | |
| 605B | Czech Padre | Bohemia | Molded beads imitating Chinese Padres. Most 8m wide. Red, orange, or dark Purple, your choice | 25 | 15.00 |
| 605D | Czech Padre | Bohemia | Molded beads imitating Chinese Padres. Most 5-6m wide. (Purple, Pink, yellow, or red+yellow, not shown $9 Ea.) Blue: | 22-24 | 8.00 |
 | 730 | Face Beads | India | Colorful modern wound beads featuring small, goofy faces: a) String of 23 varied shapes $35;; b) 12 loose beads, conical shape $18.50;; c) Five beads, without face theme $8.50 | 8.50 - 35.00 | |
| 44 | Indo-Pacific, Tradewind | East Indies | 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. Used by archaeologists to date sites throughout S.E. Asia. This type ca. 1200 AD. Strand of small (2-3mm) brick-red clay, about 225 beads/strand. Rough & irregular shape. Sample shown. | 21-22 | 18.50 |
 | 270 | Melon | China / Indonesia | Uniquely shaped bead made in China, or Chinese workers in Indonesi, likely 1800s. Found mainly in Irian Jaya. A) Bright yellow $22.50 Each; B) Dull yellow $22.50, and "C" worn piece $15 | Each | 22.50 |
 | 731a | Naga Bell Necklace | Nagaland | From Tribal India, five bronze bells with brass? hishi spacers. Round bells have clappers. All pieces show age; largest bell cracked is 50 x 65m. | Ea. | 45.00 |
 | 689 | Nagaland Necklace | India | Traditional necklace of bright red cylinder beads with spacer beads and a central bone pendant. The Nagas are a tribal people on the India/Burma border. Old beads, except the Crumb look modern; new stringing. Sample shown. | 28 | 22.50 |
| 531a | Padre: Tourquoise, White | China | 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. These are old, circulated Padres, not the more regular, often-seamed European copies. Commonest Turquoise Blue or White, Each: | 22-24 | 15.00 |
| 531b | Padre: Scarce colors | China | Less common colors: Red, Yellow, or traslucent Blue (green SOLD). There are mixed shades within each string, and sometimes strays of other colors. | 22-24 | 16.50 |
| 531d | Padre: Scarcest | China | Scarce colors: Black, mixed Black/Purple, or translucent Brown Each: | 22-24 | 27.50 |
| 531W | Padre: Multiples | China | Multiple strands For 3+ strands of 531a, 531b colors (and 559p, pink), price $14.50/strand. Inquire for larger quantities. | 22-24 | 14.50 |
| 559p | Pink Padre? | China? | Wound bead of reddish-pink color, a little smaller than the usual tourquoise Padre bead, shown here for comparison. Possibly European made for trade with the Massai who like pink beads. | 22 | 14.50 |
| 646 | Peking Glass: Old | China | The Chinese have been making crude, wound-type beads for trade for a long time. The rounded Padre beads are a well-known example. Colors: medium blue to purple-black; Shapes: Round & barrel; Width: 5-7m. Two sample strands shown. | 24 | 15.00 |
| 566M | Seed & Others | Europe, China | Mixed Strands Various colors, including the more irregular, larger Chinese type, and small white-hearts | 24+ | 8.50 |
| 625s | Sherpa Coral | Tibet (India) | Sets Imitating Coral, these glass beads were made in India and traded into Tibet. Scan shows typical sets. 625s) Set of 9 sizes, shapes, and shades $12.50; 625t) Set of four basic shapes & shades $5.00 | Set | 5.00 - 12.50 |
 | 688L | Skull Beads | Tibet (Nepal) | Larger versions of Yak bone skulls, holed top & bottom for stringing, or will stand up, 30m tall x 24m. White or antiqued. (Per 10, aniqued only $16) | Each | 2.50 |
| 1327 | Fossil Disk (Pi) | China | "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) | Each | 5.00 |
 | 732a | SoulLock Pendant | Thailand | Hill Tribes of N. Thailand, Burma, Yunnan. Believed to protect wearer's soul from being stolen by spirits. Red beads & white metal imitating silver. Not new, 20th Cent? | 22.50 | |
 | 728n | Akha Belt | Thailand / Burma | Modern "money" belt using Cowries, coins and old trade beads stitched on black fabric. 30" long | 30 | 35.00 |
| 728a | Akha Collar | Thailand / Burma | Modern "money" collar using Cowries, trade beads, and (worn) coins stitched on black fabric. Exact piece shown. | Ea | 25.00 |
| 728b | Akha Necklace | Thailand / Burma | Modern "money" necklace using Cowries, white-heart trade beads, and (worn) coins stitched on black fabric. Sample shown. | Ea | 17.50 |
| BEADS TRADED TO THE AMERICAS | ||||||
| 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 turquoiseblue beads (the "padre" bead; Bead Chart 1023) 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. NOTE: Beads offered below are from the Africa trade, though of the types used in the Americas trade. | ||||||
| 746 | Nueva Cadiz | Spain? Venice? | Long light-blue tubular bead without layers. The layered versions are known from 16th Century sites in South America, but this variety (Smith & Good, 1982, #34) is associated with 17th Century North American sites. Unusually high quality specimens almost never seen in the layered variety, about 10 x 10 x 78-82mm c) Serious chips $16.50; (b Minor chips $27.50; a) Perfect, several available $45.00 Short pieces: t-u) $12.50; v) 7.50 | 16.50 - 45.00 | |
| 500 | Nueva Cadiz | Spain? Venice? | South American types in dark blue with three layers; also green with 3 layers. Photo enlarged for detail; worst side shown. Priced per bead. PLEASE give 2nd, 3rd choices! a) 43x16x16mm SOLD; b) 40x17x17mm $45; c-d) $30; e-g) $23.50; h) $35; j) SOLD; k-m) $20; p-v) $16.50 | 16.50 - 45.00 | |
| 309a | Chevron, 7-layer | Venice | Single Bead Classic 7-layer Chevron, a.k.a. "Rosetta" bead, possibly first made by Romans, but the earliest Venetian 7-layers are dated to 1480-1580 and heralded the Renaissance of European beadmaking. An important trade bead of the era. See Quiggin color plate, #7. The "margaritas" which Cortez gave to Montezuma's ambassador have been securely identified as Chevrons. Today larger (length & diameter) beads are worth much more than smaller ones. This is larger than most: 27x40m and clearly shows the inner translucent green layer which is often lost to string wear. | 195.00 | |
| 250S | White Heart Set | Venice, etc. | Historical Set including now-expensive earlyCournelene d'Aleppo forms (Hudsons Bay Trade Bead) from ca. 1830s?. Named for the white core beneath the (usually) red exterior. One of the most widely traded beads, into the Orient, Africa, and Americas. 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 $24.50) (NOTE for completists: Other white hearts are "Proto-bead", White heart flower beads, and Skunk beads). | Set: | 19.50 |
| 250 | White Heart Singles | Venice | Largest, oldest round Cournelene d'Aleppo in better than average grade. Beads are 15-22mm. I can not supply particular beads from the photo; please order by category: 250.1) Nicest pieces: $12 Per bead, or $9 each for 3 or more; 250.2) Fairly intact, but abrasively cleaned with loss of lustre SOLD; 250.3) Medium size 12-15mm beads but VERY sharp and clean $12.00 Each. | Each: | 12.00 |
| 251 | White Heart Singles | Venice | Medium-size old round Cournelene d'Aleppo in better than average grade. Beads are 10-14mm. I can not supply particular beads from the photo ($3 each per 5 or more) | Each: | 4.50 |
| 252 | White Heart (Cournalene) | Venice | Barrel form Cournalene d'Aleppo, Hudsons Bay Trade Beads: Among the oldest of White Heart types. Strings available: 252a) Largest size beads, 12-16m wide. 26" string of 32 beads, longest 25m. Above average condition for this type. $100; 252h) Medium sized beads 9-11m wide. 28" string of 54, largest 18m long. Exceptional grade for type. $80; | 70.00 - 100.00 | |
| 251 | White Heart (Cournalene) | Venice | Mixed types Cournalene d'Aleppo, Hudsons Bay Trade Beads: Among the oldest of White Heart types. Strings available: 251a) Medium size beads, generally12-16m wide, both round and barrel. 26" string, above average condition. $75; 251b) Medium size beads, generally12-16m wide, both round and barrel. 32" string, above average condition. $92.50 | 75.00 - 92.50 | |
| 555b | American Flag / Manhattan | Venice | Red & blue stripes on white layer, over red core. Dubin 110b? "Wound compound glass with polychrome stripes." Late 1700s, traded in Great Lakes region and falsely associated with purchase of Manhattan. Often found at Iroquois sites. 60 beads, mostly 11-12m x 12m wide. Some chipped or dull. | 28 | 60.00 |
| 551 | Feather | Venice | Caramel colored wound bead with dragged decoration. Dubin 71. Most beads 18-25m long. Some partial, chipped, etc. Feather beads were traded to the Pacific NW Indians. (Fenstermaker) 551c 26"; 551d 23". Each: | 23+ | 75.00 |
| 519b | French Cross, White | Venice | Called Bodoum in Africa, white with cross of red, white & black This color was a trade item in the American southwest, which has caused a rapid rise in the price of those found in Africa. Similar Dubin 70a Found several strands of very nice beads: (see scan) | 21-22 | 55.00 |
| 777 | Great Lakes | Venice? | Swirled dark blue stripes on white, beads 12mm long. Associated with the American Indian trade in the midwest. This type also produced by the Dutch. Strands available: a, (b with a couple broken/short beads $69) | 26 | 75.00 |
| 745 | Medicine Beads | Venice | Called Medicine Bead by North American Indians, though I am seeking more information. A solid white, slightly ovoid wound bead with incused dark blue dots and trailed pink lines. Beads 10-11mm, about 100 on strand | 40 | 175.00 |
| 745 | Medicine Beads | Venice | Called Medicine Bead by North American Indians, though I am seeking more information. A solid white, slightly ovoid wound bead with incused dark blue dots and trailed pink lines. Beads 10-11mm, about 55 on strand. Please give second choice of strands: c, d, e, f, g | 22 | 75.00 |
| 531a | Padre: Tourquoise, White | China | Chinese bead which travelled all over the world as part of the Spanish silver trade. Best known in North America where the turquoise blue color was popular with Southwest US Amerinds. Made ca. late 18th-early 19th C. by the primitive winding process. These are old, circulated Padres, not the more regular, often-seamed European copies. Commonest Turquoise Blue or White, Each: | 22-24 | 15.00 |
| 703a | Rattlesnake & King | Netherlands | Irregular white bands on black, "wound glass with trailed decoration" per Dubin #111 Traded into Ghana & found at North American Iroquois sites dating before 1763. 70 Rattlesnake 10-11m wide, 2 Eye or similar, 19 smaller green King beads. | 31 | 100.00 |
| 703b | Rattlesnake | Netherlands | Irregular white bands on black, "wound glass with trailed decoration" per Dubin #111 Traded into Ghana & found at North American Iroquois sites dating before 1763. 73 beads, 9-13m wide, most 7-10m long. | 26 | 80.00 |
| 703c | Rattlesnake & Others | Netherlands | Irregular white bands on black, "wound glass with trailed decoration" per Dubin #111 Traded into Ghana & found at North American Iroquois sites dating before 1763. Includes yelow-veined pieces, eye beads & other s similar to Rattlesnakes. 99 beads, 9-11m wide, most 7-9m long. Nice quality beads. | 27 | 100.00 |
| 562 | Russian Blue (squared) | Bohemia | Darker colors, squarish associated with Pacific Northwest trade, range medium blue through black. Faceted, squarish shape, mostly 5-6m width. Your choice strands a | 20 | 27.50 |
| 562 | Russian Blue (squared) | Bohemia | Squarish. Classic Cobalt Blue, associated with Pacific Northwest trade. Faceted, squarish shape, mostly 8m width. Long strands, matched beads in exceptiional condition. Your choice strands L, m. | 29 | 120.00 |
| 562u | Russian Blue (squared) | Bohemia | Darker colors, faceted squarish and round, mostly 10-12m width. Long strand of 76 beads. | 30 | 210.00 |
| 563 | Russian Blue (elongated) | Bohemia | Darker colors, elongated, including elongated beads, associated with Pacific Northwest trade, wide variety of shapes and colors, mostly 5-6m widths. Your choice strands L, m, o | 24 | 45.00 |
| 563 | Russian Blue (elongated) | Bohemia | Darker colors, including elongated beads, associated with Pacific Northwest trade, wide variety of shapes and colors, mostly 5-6m widths. Your choice strands: LL, mm, nn | 29-32 | 58.50 |
| 563 | Russian Blue (elongated) | Bohemia | Darker colors, including elongated beads, associated with Pacific Northwest trade, wide variety of shapes and colors, mostly 5-6m widths. Your choice strands: pp, qq | 29-32 | 58.50 |
| 563u | Russian Blue (elongated) | Bohemia | Classic Cobalt Blue, faceted elongated beads, associated with Pacific Northwest trade. Long strand of generally matched beads, nice condition. | 30 | 210.00 |
| 673 | Skunk: Red | Venice | a.k.a. Crows eye, Eye bead. White Heart. White "eye" spots on round red beads over white core. A high-value bead, traded into North America anEthiopia. Beads 10-11m. A low cost substitute for the early Cournalene d'Aleppo white hearts. Long strand. Strands available: p | 38+ | 110.00 |
| 673 | Skunk: Red | Venice | Single beads a.k.a. Crows eye, White heart. White "eye" spots on round red over white core. A high-value bead, traded into North America and Ethiopia. Beads 10-11m. Dubin #95 "wound compound glas wih polychrome dots." Ten or more at $1.25 each; Single bead: | Each | 2.50 |
| 673c | Skunk: Red | Venice | a.k.a. Crows eye, Eye bead. White Heart. White "eye" spots on round red beads over white core. A high-value bead, traded into North America and Ethiopia. Beads 10-11m. Nice quality, $1.20/bead for 10 or more, or strand of about 70: (sample shown) | 28 | 70.00 |
| 673d | Skunk: Red | Venice | Strand including some poor quality beads. 72 beads Nice quality, $1.20/bead for 10 or more, or strand of about 70: (sample shown) | 30 | 40.00 |
 | 280 | Spindle Whorl Pendants | Pacific NW Amerind | Silver and Copper Pendants 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. Also a smaller 1.5" copper with Weaving Woman / Eagle Salmon design. 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 are $90 each; Copper are $30 each. | 30.00 - 90.00 | |
| BEADS OF STONE & NATURAL MATERIALS | ||||||
| Stone, terracotta, bone, seashell, coral, wood, amber, eggshell, coconut . . . . and glass beads imitating such materials. METAL BEADS | ||||||
| 549 | Agate Glass | Bohemia? | Sextagonal, Flat, Red-Brown, plus ruby Red glass. Beads 12 & 17m wide. Broken strands. Your choice a), or b): | 25.00 | |
| 681 | Agate Glass | Venice? | Tubular faceted beads. The stone-like striations stop at the lengthwise seam, hardly good for the illusion that they are stone. Late 19th century. Two samples show the range of colors. Bead length 22m. | 22+ | 21.00 |
| 530a | Agate: squared | Idar Oberstein? | Stone beads, roughly losenge shaped plus a few rounded. 29 beads, largest 35 x 10 x 11m. | 24 | 20.00 |
| 778 | Agate, White | Venice | Large glass beads traded to the Yoruba. Milky white, semi-translucent with veins, they do look like stone. Good value in a large bead. Size of largest bead given for each scan: a, 77mm; b, 90mm; c, 90mm; d, 66mm; | 36 | 55.00 |
| 626 | Bauxite | Nigeria | Rough earth-red beads from clay rich in aluminium ore, a distinctive African bead. Scan shows typical examples of 3 bead sizes; yours will be similar: 626S) Small Beads 4-6m wide, strand 22" $11.50; 626M) Medium Beads 8-10m wide, strand 28" $14.50 626L) Large Beads 10-12m wide, and much longer, strand 26-28" $23.50 626t) Single beads Three beads of varying length, 7-11m widths $3.50 | 22-28 | 3.50 - 23.50 |
| 648 | Carnelian | Cambay, India | Rough stone beads traditionally quarried in Cambay and traded into Nagaland for shaping, these come from the Africa trade. Beads range 4-11+mm with polished pieces mixed in. Typical strand shown. | 20 | 28.50 |
| 593 | Carnelian Glass | Round Glass beads imitating striped carnelian stone, mixed colors, sizes. Most 12-16m wide. Lot of five mixed: | Set: | 5.00 | |
| 677 | Carnelian Glass | Germany | Visually convincing glass imitations of carnelian agate, from Germany, traded into Mali and Senegal. Most beads 10-15mm. Typical long strand shown. | 30 | 36.50 |
| 632 | Coconut Disks | Nigeria | Used in divination. Age uncertain, but not new. Strands: a) 18", mixed sizes, Ostrich eggshells & white beads (shown) $12; b) Long 36" strand, disks 10-15m $12.50; c) 21" Small 8-10m disks $7.50 ; d) 24-26" strand, disks 11-17mm $9.50; e) 30" strand, disks 11-13mm $9.50 | 9.50 | |
| 671 | Copal Amber | Ethiopia | Copal is an immature form of amber, and was often imitated in plastic by European traders. I do not know whether these are natural copal or "German plastic" but they apper old, and were traded into Ethiopia where they were highly valued. See Francis Beads of the World p.35 for the difficulties of testing. Beads 20x25mm. Strands available: 671a) 27 beads; 671b) 29 beads | 26 | 95.00 |
| 742 | Natural Coral | Mali | Vivid orange sticks and chunks of coral. They look fragile but are actually fairly sturdy. Rounded ends, nothing sharp. New on market. | 22 | 42.50 |
| 544 | Dig Beads: Small | Jenne Jeno | Excavated beads, mostly stone, tiny, mostly 2-3m. Said to be 1000 years old. Mostly rough gray, some show colors when polished. 544a Regular strand; 544m Includes a few larger beads of same period. your choice: | 24+ | 16.50 |
| 543 | Dig Beads: Colorful | Jenne Jeno | Excavated beads, mostly stone, larger beads, polished, in graduated strands. Widths 3-7+m. Dubin #1203 Your choice of randomy chosen specimens here, price $42.50 each, or my choice at: | 22-24 | 39.50 |
| 543v | Dig Beads | Jenne Jeno | Excavated beads, stone, larger beads, unpolished. Widths 5-8+m. Available either 543w, unpolished (exact strand shown) or 543v slightly polished (sample strand shown) | 26 | 45.00 |
| 200 | Excavated Terracotta | Djenné | 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; $45/ 10 strands. | 36 | 7.50 |
| 201 | Orange Terracotta | Djenné | Fro.m the medieval site in Niger on the Tumbuctu trade route, excavated terracotta beads 500-800 years old. Shades of orange and brown, slightly larger beads than the type which has been on the market for years. $55 / 10 strands. | 38 | 9.50 |
| 691 | Jenne-Jeno Carnelian | Sahara | Excavated at the ancient trade center of Jenne-Jeno on the upper Niger river, bright beads ranging 5-12m wide. Sample shown. | 24-26 | 47.50 |
| 692 | Jenne-Jeno Carnelian | Sahara | Excavated at the ancient trade center of Jenne-Jeno on the upper Niger river, rough, matte beads ranging 7-16m wide. Sample strand shown. | 24-26 | 47.50 |
 | 740 | Grave beads | Michoacan | c. 1200-1400 AD, Crudely shaped black (volcanic?) rock beads plus some shell, strung on fish line. Old stock from 1970s. Scan reduced size. Strings available: b, c, d, e | 24 | 35.00 |
| 633 | Malachite Choker | Congo | Graduated strand with clasp, beautiful veined green stone. I stay away from "new" beads but these were to pretty to pass up. | 20 | 18.50 |
| 784 | Green Bloodstone | Africa | Polished hard stone, mostly dark green, many in heart shape. Supplier says it is called bloodstone because it is usually found in red. Possibly excavated, they show signs of wear. Sample shown | 32 | 46.50 |
| 641 | Natural Amber | Gambia | Natural tree amber from Gambia, roughly shaped into beads of 12-20+m and holed with a hot poker. Old amber (and imitation) beads were important trade items in Africa. These are new beads, but good representations. 641a) 50-60+ per 24" strand $35; 641b) Longer 36" strand: | 36 | 45.00 |
| 641S | Natural Amber | Gambia | Single Beads Natural tree amber from Gambia, roughly shaped into beads of 12-18m and holed with a hot poker. Old amber (and imitation) beads were important trade items in Africa. These are old amber, but new beads. Five mixed sizes: | Ea | 4.50 |
| 638 | Ostrich Eggshell | East Africa | Turkana, Samburu, Ovambo tribes. Rough roundish disks (7-10mm) of tough eggshell, center-pierced, about 200 per strand. A well-known odd & curious item & one of few beads from eastern Africa. Opitz p.246, Quiggin p.100,107 | 24 | 25.00 |
| 230 | Ostrich Eggshell | East Africa | Single Beads Turkana, Samburu, Ovambo tribes. Rough roundish disks (7-10mm) of tough eggshell, center-pierced A well-known odd & curious item & one of few beads from eastern Africa. Opitz p.246, Quiggin p.100,107. Ten beads, mixed sizes: | 3.00 | |
| 770 | Fulgurites | Niger | Tubes of light brown sand fused by lightning strikes which have been partially smoothed and cut to bead length. Some have natural ends or branches. As evidence of ancient thunderstorms, climatologists study fulgurite finds to learn about Saharan climate change, but peoples in the region have collected and crafted these items for centuries. Closeup Strands available: ; b; c | 25 | 55.00 |
| 625s | Sherpa Coral | Tibet (India) | Sets Imitating Coral, these glass beads were made in India and traded into Tibet. Scan shows typical sets. 625s) Set of 9 sizes, shapes, and shades $12.50; 625t) Set of four basic shapes & shades $5.00 | Set | 5.00 - 12.50 |
| 688L | Skull Beads | Tibet (Nepal) | Larger versions of Yak bone skulls, holed top & bottom for stringing, or will stand up, 30m tall x 24m. White or antiqued. (Per 10, aniqued only $16) | Each | 2.50 |
| 665 | Snake Bones | Africa | Actual snake Vertebrae, used in divination throughout Africa. Larger bones (C,D,E) graduated sizes. A) Bones 6-8m wide $26.50; B) 9-11m $29.50; C) 10-15m $37.50; D) About 15m, pale color $50SOLD; E) 10-20m, long 35" strand $65 | 24-26 | |
| 643 | Soft Stone | Ghana | Crude, excavated beads made of a soft, soapy stone, range 10-14+m. No info on age; they began appearing with the Traders in 2006. Sample strand shown. | 26 | 15.50 |
| 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. Single beads of my choice are available, a) plain $9; b)with etched designs $12. Strand of 33: | 200.00 | |
| 2507 | Spindle Whorls | Mali | 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. Black with white patterns, Bead width 25-30mm; Single beads: $3.00 each; 2507a Strand $62.50; 2507b Strand | 26 | 70.00 |
| 212 | Talhakimt Pendants | Europe | Single beads Large, flat European-made glass beads imitating earlier stone and metal currency objects of the Tuaregs of the northern Sahara. Also called tanfouk, Niger glass, and Zinder beads. See Der Primitivgeldsammler 1989/1 p.23 #IV1,3. Opitz p.38, 64, A. Fisher Africa Adorned page 186. Range 47-54m tall. Your choice of color / style if in stock. Samples are shown for color and style, they are not the actual pieces in stock. $8.50 each per 3+; Per one: | Ea. | 10.00 |
| 642 | Terracotta Wedding Beads | Gambia | String of large orange & burnt oblong terracotta beads. Supplier says they are used in weddings by the Malenke and Mandinka of Gambia. They do not show much external wear or string-wear; age uncertain. Eleven beads, range 3-3.5 inches each. | 36 | 40.00 |
| 263 | Togo Stone (Large) | Togo? | White quartz disc with drilled hole, rubbed in reddish earth. Found in hoards, they are likely a very early bead money, though both their original and modern uses are unclear. 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. Rivallain pl.32, Opitz p.275, Quiggin p.60 & pl.3 #3. "Stone" size: under 40-45m, 33-80gm (3 for $37.50; 263t) STRING of 40 stone-size pieces on native fiber, as obtained from the Africa Traders. An amazing necklace at a great price. $225). Single bead: | 14.50 | |
| 263R | Togo Stone (Small) | Togo? | White quartz disc, smaller, rough pieces: 18-25mm (3 for $12.50, inquire for larger quantity) | Each: | 5.00 |
| 263S | Togo Stone (Set) | Togo? | White quartz disc with drilled hole, rubbed in reddish earth. Found in hoards, they are likely a very early bead money, though both their original and modern uses are unclear. 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. 263 Large 30-45mm $14.50; 263R Small 18-25mm, rough $5; 263S Set of four (not five) stones, different sizes, plus one small rough type: | Set: | 37.50 |
| 720 | "Togo Stone" Beads | Europe | Single beads Glass imitations of the valued "Togo stone" money. First strand seen by my supplier, one of the biggest bead importers. Beads mostly 15-20m wide, 6-10m thick. Lot of 5 beads with some variation in size: $12; Per bead: $3 | Ea. | 3.00 - 12.00 |
| 724 | Yemen Agate | Idar- Oberstein? | Dark-and-white banded stone beads plus a few strays to make a pleasing necklace. Bead width 9-12+m. 724a 45" $75 ; 724b | 36 | 65.00 |
| 1327 | Fossil Disk (Pi) | China | "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) | Each | 5.00 |
| 728n | Akha Belt | Thailand / Burma | Modern "money" belt using Cowries, coins and old trade beads stitched on black fabric. 30" long | 30 | 35.00 |
| 728a | Akha Collar | Thailand / Burma | Modern "money" collar using Cowries, trade beads, and (worn) coins stitched on black fabric. Exact piece shown. | Ea | 25.00 |
| 728b | Akha Necklace | Thailand / Burma | Modern "money" necklace using Cowries, white-heart trade beads, and (worn) coins stitched on black fabric. Sample shown. | Ea | 17.50 |
| 207a | Cowrie Belt | Burma / Yunnan | Karen & Chin Tribes, 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 | Burma / Yunnan | Karen & Chin tribes of Burma & Yunnan: "Broken back" cowries strung side by side on rattan strips forming belt: f) Incomplete belt of 154 brown toned pieces, 24" $45;; g) Full belt of 240 cowries, length about 32", some breaks in rattan, so too fragile to wear $85 | 45.00 - 85.00 | |
| 689 | Nagaland Necklace | India | Traditional necklace of bright red cylinder beads with spacer beads and a central bone pendant. The Nagas are a tribal people on the India/Burma border. Old beads, except the Crumb look modern; new stringing. Sample shown. | 28 | 22.50 |
| MODERN BEADS | ||||||
| These are beads made since the heyday of the Trade bead, mostly 1950 to date. See also toe Charms & Pendants category for larger pieces. | ||||||
| 743 | Cosmology Beads | Baule, Ivory Coast | Brass beads with round animist cosmological symbol. Modern, but show some use. A has 30 pieces 20mm long (single bead $2); B has 29 pieces SOLD; C has 20 piecesSOLD 28mm long. Each strand: | 22 | 20.00 |
| 532b | Brass Bicone | Kirdi | Modern? but crude. Worn by single Kirdi women in strands drooping below the belly to hide the genital area, so also called cache sexe beads. Strand of 40, mixed 15m wide fine style, and 13m wide cruder. | 20 | 45.00 |
| 532e | Brass Bicone, Ethiopia | Ethiopia | Fairly modern but well used. Unlike the similar Kirdi (Cameroun) these show seams indicating a laborious wrapping process rather than casting. Africa Direct offers them as trade beads, but cites no evidence. I would guess they are ornamental. Beads 8-9mm long, about 100 per long strand. ($8 each per 5+ strands) | 36+ | 12.00 |
| 511Z | Donut: Modern | Faithful reproductions of the 19th Century German beads with usual crude appearance. Colors: Clear, Pink, Brown, Gold, Green. Blue, Dark Blue. $12.50 each if taking 3 or more strands. | 21 | 15.00 | |
| 730 | Face Beads | India | Colorful modern wound beads featuring small, goofy faces: a) String of 23 varied shapes $35;; b) 12 loose beads, conical shape $18.50;; c) Five beads, without face theme $8.50 | 8.50 - 35.00 | |
 | 768 | Feather Beads, Newer | Venice | Probably post-1920 according to my supplier, and thus not properly a trade bead. 20mm long. Available r) Red & White, or g) Green & Red. Short strands. | 16 | 25.00 |
| 615 | Hishi: Brass | Kenya? | Small loops of drawn brass wire ("hishi, heishi") crimped by hand. Used as spacers in jewellery. Not an old trade bead. 3.5m wide. | 25 | 12.00 |
| 524 | Hishi: Copper | Kenya | Small loops of drawn copper wire ("hishi, heishi") crimped by hand. Used as spacers in jewellery. Not an old trade bead. Three sizes of loops available. Your choice $4.50 each Per 10; $5.50 each per 3. Single strand: | 15+ | 7.00 |
| 701 | Krobo, New | Ghana | Huge modern beads made from powdered glass. Crude & rough. (Korobo) Thirty beads, about 32x26mm, your choice of green, cobalt blue, light blue. Note: I've seen smaller beads of this type; these are huge. | 30+ | 27.50 |
| 633 | Malachite Choker | Congo | Graduated strand with clasp, beautiful veined green stone. I stay away from "new" beads but these were to pretty to pass up. | 20 | 18.50 |
 | 727L | Mardi Gras Beads | New Orleans | Big sack of used plastic beads, including a few Doubloons and other "throws." Not the new & all-the-same stuff sold on Ebay. Over 4 Lbs | 12.50 | |
 | 726 | Modern Mix | Asia | Super long strand of modern low-quality beads, much variety of types, each strand diffrent, sample shown. Five strands $23.50, single strand: | 56 | 6.00 |
| 690 | Mummy Bead Necklace | Egypt | Necklaces with new brass and imitation "mummy beads". Supposedly they contain "old" beads as well, but that may be a tale to sell these to tourists. All wearable. Longest (B) is 13". Necklaces availabale: A, B, D | 16.00 | |
| 641 | Natural Amber | Gambia | Natural tree amber from Gambia, roughly shaped into beads of 12-20+m and holed with a hot poker. Old amber (and imitation) beads were important trade items in Africa. These are new beads, but good representations. 641a) 50-60+ per 24" strand $35; 641b) Longer 36" strand: | 36 | 45.00 |
| 641S | Natural Amber | Gambia | Single Beads Natural tree amber from Gambia, roughly shaped into beads of 12-18m and holed with a hot poker. Old amber (and imitation) beads were important trade items in Africa. These are old amber, but new beads. Five mixed sizes: | Ea | 4.50 |
| 647 | Peking Glass | China | Made for centuries, these are the modern product in a palette of colors. Mixed sizes, but average 80 per strand. Your choice of color if still in stock (please give 2nd choice!), or I will send you the longest strands or largest beads. | 24-34 | 15.00 |
| 647S | Peking Glass | China | Single Beads Made for centuries, these are the modern version, still made by the winding process, so cruder looking than older European beads. 10 pieces, mixed colors & sizes: | 2.50 | |
| 2167 | Prayer Beads | Ethiopia | Hollow, silver-plated beads (66-68) with endpiece and colorful yarn tassles. Crude, wearable. Age uncertain. | 42 | 11.50 |
| 688L | Skull Beads | Tibet (Nepal) | Larger versions of Yak bone skulls, holed top & bottom for stringing, or will stand up, 30m tall x 24m. White or antiqued. (Per 10, aniqued only $16) | Each | 2.50 |
| 523 | Talari (Hishi: Silver) | Ethiopia | Small loops of drawn wire ("hishi, heishi") made from nickel-silver. The name comes from the Maria Theresa Taler (Maria Teresa Thaler), 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. Set of a) Hishi, 3.5m wide, and b) Barrel bead, 2.5m wide $21.50; or per strand: | 30+ | 12.50 |
| 642 | Terracotta Wedding Beads | Gambia | String of large orange & burnt oblong terracotta beads. Supplier says they are used in weddings by the Malenke and Mandinka of Gambia. They do not show much external wear or string-wear; age uncertain. Eleven beads, range 3-3.5 inches each. | 36 | 40.00 |
 | 257N | White Heart Seed | Venice | Seed-bead sized, cane-cut & rounded. Under 2m wide. Modern bright-red beads. Thread-strung hank of 200 grams, about 9000 beads! | Lot | 42.50 |
| 509X | Modern White-heart | Czech | Modern version of this classic trade bead, still with a rough "wound" look, variety in shape and thickness, and the brilliant red produced by translucent glass over a white core. Wide holes for easy stringing. About 100 beads, 7m wide. $10 Ea / 3 strands. | 23 | 14.50 |
| 728a | Akha Collar | Thailand / Burma | Modern "money" collar using Cowries, trade beads, and (worn) coins stitched on black fabric. Exact piece shown. | Ea | 25.00 |
| 728b | Akha Necklace | Thailand / Burma | Modern "money" necklace using Cowries, white-heart trade beads, and (worn) coins stitched on black fabric. Sample shown. | Ea | 17.50 |
| 207a | Cowrie Belt | Thailand | Large "broken back" cowries strung on leather strip. Length 24" excluding end ties. Scan shows one end. Age uncertain, but not new. | ||
| 731a | Naga Bell Necklace | Nagaland | From Tribal India, five bronze bells with brass? hishi spacers. Round bells have clappers. All pieces show age; largest bell cracked is 50 x 65m. | Ea. | 45.00 |
| 689 | Nagaland Necklace | India | Traditional necklace of bright red cylinder beads with spacer beads and a central bone pendant. The Nagas are a tribal people on the India/Burma border. Old beads, except the Crumb look modern; new stringing. Sample shown. | 28 | 22.50 |
| CHARMS, AMULETS, PENDANTS | ||||||
| 212 | Talhakimt Pendants | Europe | Single beads Large, flat European-made glass beads imitating earlier stone and metal currency objects of the Tuaregs of the northern Sahara. Also called tanfouk, Niger glass, and Zinder beads. See Der Primitivgeldsammler 1989/1 p.23 #IV1,3. Opitz p.38, 64, A. Fisher Africa Adorned page 186.. Range 47-54m tall. Your choice of color / style if in stock. Samples are shown for color and style, they are not the actual pieces in stock. $8.50 each per 3+; Per one: | Ea. | 10.00 |
| 744 | Asanti Charm | Ghana | Brass cosmological charms. Modern, but show some use, cleaned. Some are a bit imperfect or asymmetrical. Types available: 744a) Four-lobe-basket 21-22/strand; 744b) Triangle-with-circles, about 25/strand; 744c) Round basket-weave, about 36 per strand. Prices: Per any 3, mix or match $9 each; Single strand, any type: | 22-24 | 13.50 |
 | I500 | Mughal Rupee | India | Genuine silver Rupee of Akbar the Great dated AH986 (1579 AD), loop-mounted. Unique item. | 15.00 | |
| 280 | Spindle Whorl Pendants | Pacific NW Amerind | Silver and Copper Pendants 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. Also a smaller 1.5" copper with Weaving Woman / Eagle Salmon design. 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 are $90 each; Copper are $30 each. | 30.00 - 90.00 | |
 | 885 | Coptic Crosses | Ethiopia | Looped white-metal crosses in a wide variety of styles, mostly 60-90m high. Silver versions are genrally older, but are hard to find now. I can not supply the exact pieces shown in the scan, but if you advise a preference I will try to match, otherwise just give you the largest in stock. 885a) $9 Each; $7.50 each per 5+; 885c) Smaller, mostly 40-50m $6 Each; $4.50 each per 5+. Inquire for larger quantities of either size. | Each | 6.00, 9.00 |
 | 889 | Coptic Crosses: Brass | Ethiopia | Brass cross of simple design with copper loop, about 24mm tall. ($1.50 each per 3+) | Each | 2.00 |
 | 2190 | Finger Rings | Ethiopia | Traditional brass rings in a variety of sizes, some with a bit of punched decoration. Though still made and worn today, these are old well-worn pieces. Shown in photo with approximate finger size. Please give second and third choices if picking, because everybody will order the big ones first. Price for my choice: $13.50; Price for your choice: | Each | 17.50 |
| 743 | Cosmology Beads | Baule, Ivory Coast | Brass beads with round animist cosmological symbol. Modern, but show some use. A has 30 pieces 20mm long (single bead $2); B has 29 pieces SOLD; C has 20 piecesSOLD 28mm long. Each strand: | 22 | 20.00 |
 | 2175 | Double Spiral Amulet | West Africa | 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. a) 52m tall, look new; | Each | 2.50 |
 | 2180 | Fulani Bells | West Africa | Brass bells, often worn with beads. Used to be common, haven't seen on market in years. Sets of 4-5 bells available: a, b, c, d; (Single bells as one marked "S" $6) | Set | 27.50 |
| 2181 | Fulani Bells | West Africa | Larger Brass bells, often worn with beads. Used to be common, haven't seen on market in years. Specimens available: a, b, c, d (c price $12.50) | Each | 9.00 |
 | 2183 | Fulani Animals | West Africa | Brass animal forms, won with beads. Look new. Your choice Turtle or Lizard. Samples shown. | Each | 3.00 |
 | 2185 | Baule Amulets | Ivory Coast | Round, looped brass with braided rope background overlaid in concentric half and quarter circle designs. Nicely crafted, coinlike pieces, 45m. Bought this group several years ago and have not seen since. Nicer quality than the pieces on the necklaces. Scarcer F-L types $6 Each; Types A to E $5.50 Each; 2185s) Set of five A - E | Set | 23.50 |
| 785 | Baule Amulet Necklace | Ivory Coast | Charm necklaces featuring large coin-like brass pieces with bead spacers. 785a) Cosmology symbols on 46mm disks with braided rope borders, white-heart spacers. 30" Length; 785d Stylized animal figures on 59mm disks with toothed borders, blue & green bead spacers. 42 inch Length. EACH: | 35.00 | |
 | 2187 | OLD West African Amulets | West Africa | Older pieces, probably worn with beads: A) Dogon or Senufo, representing cattle huts? SOLD; B) Triangles $17.50; C) Kola nuts? old, dirty $15; D) ?? $15; E-H) $12.50 each | Each | 12.50 - 35.00 |
| 732a | Soul Lock Pendant | Thailand | Hill Tribes of N. Thailand, Burma, Yunnan. Believed to protect wearer's soul from being stolen by spirits. Red beads & white metal imitating silver. Not new, 20th Cent? | 22.50 | |
| 1327 | Fossil Disk (Pi) | China | "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) | Each | 5.00 |
| 783 | Pottery Pendants | China | Fragments of broken Ming/Qing blue-&-white pottern found in Thai coastal waters rounded for use as pendants. Just one lot of 4 pieces shown. | 10.00 | |
| NECKLACES & BEADWORK | ||||||
| The African necklaces genrally use trade beads, and the Asian ones use cowries. | ||||||
| 781 | Ethiopia Necklace | Germany / Netherlands | Long necklaces of traditional composition (restrung) including copper coils, hollow beads & tubes of 'German silver', pendants of bone or aluminium. some later Czech beads, and - most interesting - Dutch "Dogon" and German "Donut" beads. I wish I knew the story behind these necklaces, the meaning behind the arrangement of elements. Also, why the prominence of these old, medium-value northern European beads usually associated with trade to Mali? What does the fan-like aluminium pendant represent? My supplier had dozens of these loose. Until the early 20th C. aluminium was a valuable metal & in Africa had the same curative properties as silver. Necklaces available: a , b , c , d , e , f , g , h | Each: | 38.50 |
| 604 | Concona (Padre) + Bell | Bohemia | Molded dark blue to purple beads imitating the wound Chinese Padres, with a crude brass money bell, from Cameroun. Sample shown. | 24 | 12.00 |
| 708 | Fulani Necklace | Sahara | Brass bells interspersed with trade beads. 708a Blue, white & clear with stripes cane cut, 26" $50; 708b Striped, white-heart & feather beads, 26" $60 | 26 | 50.00 - 60.00 |
| 702 | Brass Bicone Necklace | Fulani | Traditional Fulani necklace (restrung) with old brass bicones and more elaborate shapes. Beads show age. | 25-26 | 55.00 |
| 702g | Fulani Bell Necklace | West Africa | Short strand of brass bicone & rounded beads with a few bells. Strands available: g, h | 21-22 | 30.00 |
| 786 | Bell & Money Necklace | Europe / Africa | The Fulani have a number of traditional necklace styles. I do not know the purpose of this one, but they feature cowries and B.W.A. 1/10 Pennies, both small monies, along with "cosmos bells" and small cane-cut beads. Necklaces are new; their components older. Scans reduced; these are long 20" necklaces. Currently available: a, b, c, d | 47.50 | |
| 704 | Fulani Womens Necklace | West Africa | Multiple strands of small cane-cut or seed beads with bundled long beads as pendant, copper wire, dyed twine. Fit easily over head. Sold out @ $59.50, new stock and a reduced price! Necklaces available: 704e | 30-32 | 54.50 |
| 704 | Fulani Womens Necklace | West Africa | Multiple strands of r seed beads with tubular white hearts as pendant, copper wire, dyed twine. Fit easily over head. Necklaces available from this reduced scan: s, t, u, v, w, x | 30-32 | 54.50 |
| 607 | Gankodana Necklace | Ghana | European Padres with crude, rusty iron pendant attached. Said to be worn by chiefs in Ghana. Strand plus pendant 38" | 24 | 18.50 |
| 707 | Mauritania Necklace | N. Africa | Modern composition using old trade beads, some newer beads, shells, spindle-worls, etc. Simple bead clasp. Scan shows both sides. Sold out @ $97.50, new stock and a price reduction. 707c 24 oz.; 707d 18 oz.; 707e 18 oz.; 707f 23 oz.; 707g 23 oz.; 707h 20 oz.; 707j 20 oz.; | 92.50 | |
| 680 | Faith Necklace | Bohemia? | When the Arabs were converting Saharan Africa to Islam, it was prudent to wear something showing you were already of the faith. Necklaces of red carnelian stone with flat, coinlike inscribed beads were popular. These are modern equivalents, probably c. 1800-1850, in red glass. Called Hajj beads, possibly worn by pilgrims to Mecca. The smaller beads read Mohammed and the larger Allah Hasbi or similar phrases. Each is different, two samples shown. One-pendant necklace: $27; Two-pendant: $29; Three for $69 | 13 | 27.00 - 29.00 |
| 2167 | Prayer Beads | Ethiopia | Hollow, silver-plated beads (66-68) with endpiece and colorful yarn tassles. Crude, wearable. Age uncertain. | 42 | 11.50 |
| 615 | Hishi: Brass | Kenya? | Small loops of drawn brass wire ("hishi, heishi") crimped by hand. Used as spacers in jewellery. Not an old trade bead. 3.5m wide. | 25 | 12.00 |
| 524 | Hishi: Copper | Kenya | Small loops of drawn copper wire ("hishi, heishi") crimped by hand. Used as spacers in jewellery. Not an old trade bead. Three sizes of loops available. Your choice $4.50 each Per 10; $5.50 each per 3. Single strand: | 15+ | 7.00 |
| 523 | Talari (Hishi: Silver) | Ethiopia | Small loops of drawn wire ("hishi, heishi") made from nickel-silver. The name comes from the Maria Theresa Taler (Maria Teresa Thaler), 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. Set of a) Hishi, 3.5m wide, and b) Barrel bead, 2.5m wide $21.50; or per strand: | 30+ | 12.50 |
| 665 | Snake Vertebrae | Africa | Actual snake Vertebrae, used in divination throughout Africa. Larger bones (C,D,E) graduated sizes. A) Bones 6-8m wide $26.50; B) 9-11m $29.50; C) 10-15m $37.50; D) About 15m, pale color $50SOLD; E) 10-20m, long 35" strand $65 | 24-26 | 26.50+ |
| 785 | Baule Amulet Necklace | Ivory Coast | Charm necklaces featuring large coin-like brass pieces with bead spacers. 785a) Cosmology symbols on 46mm disks with braided rope borders, white-heart spacers. 30" Length; 785d Stylized animal figures on 59mm disks with toothed borders, blue & green bead spacers. 42 inch Length. EACH: | 35.00 | |
| 690 | Mummy Bead Necklace | Egypt | Necklaces with new brass and imitation "mummy beads". Supposedly they contain "old" beads as well, but that may be a tale to sell these to tourists. All wearable. Longest (B) is 13". Necklaces availabale: A, B, D | 16.00 | |
| 728n | Akha Belt | Thailand / Burma | Modern "money" belt using Cowries, coins and old trade beads stitched on black fabric. 30" long | 30 | 35.00 |
| 728a | Akha Collar | Thailand / Burma | Modern "money" collar using Cowries, trade beads, and (worn) coins stitched on black fabric. Exact piece shown. | Ea | 25.00 |
| 728b | Akha Necklace | Thailand / Burma | Modern "money" necklace using Cowries, white-heart trade beads, and (worn) coins stitched on black fabric. Sample shown. | Ea | 17.50 |