Grab Bag Strands of Mixed Ancient Indo-Pacific Nila Beads - Rita Okrent Collection (AT0698)

Mixed ancient glass beads found in the Sub-Saharan Africa. You will receive a strand from our broad inventory of nila bead strands. See photos for examples of strands. Select your preferred type of strand from drop down. Smaller bead strands include Individual beads range from 3mm-7mm (0.12-0.28 in), with occasional larger outlier beads. Any size bead strands include all shapes and sizes of nila beads. **Why we love these strands** Each one is a unique grab bag of colors, sizes and shapes. Great for use as spacers and accents in all sorts of jewelry designs. They wear beautifully over time as they absorb the skin's natural oils. Provenance: Bead researcher Robert K. Liu notes in Ornament Magazine that these beads originated in the Middle East between roughly the seventh and twelfth centuries, and spread with the expansion of Islam into North Africa and beyond. They flowed into Sub-Saharan Africa, where they were valued for centuries in the ancient Malian kingdoms as a symbol of status. Dimensions: Strand length 22 inches+ (56-61 cm). Condition: Wear commensurate with age, including some chips, cracks, and broken beads. If any of the beads seem a bit chalky, try treating a bit of the strand gently with a TINY bit of olive oil (rub a little on your hands and then handle the beads). Natural skin oils also bring out the richness of their color and age. These humble beads are very special. More useful reference articles: https://theconversation.com/how-we-found-the-earliest-glass-production-south-of-the-sahara-and-what-it-means-142059 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gao https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Songhai_Empire African Item 0698