Old Kiffa Bead from Mauritania Cobalt 30" strand of beads measuring

30" strand of beads measuring approx

These are vintage 1950s beads made by the Yoruba people and are used in all manner of jewelry making

Huge 60" strand of red and green 6mm beads

Sold as a set of 10

Brass with finely detailed sterling silver patterns

Old Kiffa Bead from Mauritania Cobalt 30" strand of beads measuringThis very unusual and rare bead was made in Kiffa, Mauritania. It is very old and was made by women. A striking design with wonderful colorful lines of color and eyes. 10mm diameter x 8mm tall, with slight chip to outer layer of glass and porous surface. Historically, Kiffa beads are very important as its ancient technique (dating to 1000 years ago) made it one of the oldest glass bead making processes in Africa, which was purely African in origin.