Strand of Carved Shell "Bead Caps" from Mali multistrand Ancient trade wind bead from

Ancient trade wind bead from Java

Photo shows detail of the ornate top

Strand of vintage 3mm rose montees

Set of antique silver beads from early 1900s India

21mm diameter x 4mm thick

Strand of Carved Shell "Bead Caps" from Mali multistrand Ancient trade wind bead from26" strand of intricately carved shell beads from West Africa. These hand carved beads are traditionally worn against the scalp by Mali women with fancy braided hairdo's and are shaped like a bead cap. Some have one hole, some have two (like a button). Great for setting into silver bezels or capping a fancy bead. Size ranges from 10 18mm diameter. Over 150 beads in each strand!