AF489.   There are four strands of ancient barrel shaped carnelian and quartz beads with some other stones thrown in for variety.   The beads average 29 inches in length with an average diameter of 1/3 inch.  $80.US/each strand.   (#1 is sold)
  AF491.   I have a beautiful collection of Ethiopian silver crosses here.  I look for the old and authentic and try to choose the ones with original hanging loops though sometimes they wear too think from use and need to be replaced.  The crosses vary in design from village to village, town to town - you can reference them on page 493 of "Africa Adorned" by Angela Fisher.
Cross #1 is very impressive at 4 1/2 inches tall.  It is hinged so moved gently when worn.  It has a complex pattern on one side and a simple pattern of dots on the other.  $165.US.   Cross #2 is a smaller hinged cross at 3 5/8 inches.  The top loop is worn on both sides but still very wearable.  I would use a thick cord so that it doesn't wear further.   $135.US.
  AF492.   There are two types of Ethiopian crosses here, the ones that are more like traditional christian ones, and the Gojam version.   Cross #1 is 2 3/4 inches tall, flat on one side and rounded on the other.  $95.US.   Cross #2 has worn down writing on one side.  It must have been touched or rubbed often when worn while seeking good fortune or luck.  It is 2 3/4 inches tall.  $110.US.   Cross #3 has the look of two silver bars joined together.  The loop is nicely worn but still in excellent condition for wearing.  $95.US.   Cross #4 is the Gojam type and is 1 3/4 inches tall.  $65.US.   Cross #5 is the Gojam type and just under 1 7/8 inches tall.  $65.US.   (#2 is sold)
  AF493.   Here is an interesting collection of styles of Ethiopian crosses.   Cross #1 was made from a trading coin - you can still see traces of the Maria Theresa Thaler on both sides.  It was an original currency that later was remade with the same date and used for trade largely in Africa and the east.  It is 2 1/8 inches tall.  $85.US.   Cross #2 has designs cut in on both sides - both different.  It is small and graceful.  2 inches tall.  $75.US.   Cross #3 is a thick piece of cut silver with melted balls of silver soldered to it.  It is rather unusual.  2 1/8 inches tall.  $95.US.   Cross #4 is a little over 2 1/2 inches tall.  $75.US.   Cross #5 has similar patterns on both sides and is 2 1/2 inches tall.  $75.US.    (#1 & #3 are sold)
  AF494.   These Ethiopian silver crosses are quite heavy.  They feel very substantial and important.  Cross #1 is 2 3/4 inches tall and like the others, old and well worn.  $95.US.   Cross #2 is 3 inches tall and very plain and smooth on both sides.  $95.US.   Cross #3 has patterns on both sides.  The simpler one is showing in the photo.  The other side of the cross has dots and circles covering the entire piece.  It is slightly over 3 inches tall.  The hanging loop was worn through long ago and the two halves have been laid over each other to make it continue to be wearable.  $120.US.   (#1 is sold)
  AF495.   Here are three very distinctive styles of Ethiopian silver crosses.   Cross #1 is 3 inches tall, quite heavy with a well worn (but still strong) hanging loop and a nicely patterned shape - very similar on both sides.  $110.US.   Cross #2 seems to have been broken once upon a time.  The repair solder is very visible on one side, more subtle on the other.  I love repaired items as the importance of the piece is expressed with that.  The hanging loop is worn through so one side overlays the other to hold the cord with no problems.  The cross is 2 7/8 inches tall.  $100.   Cross #3 has had the hanging loop replaced.  The original one must have worn through.  There was a different design etched into each side but the cross has been handled so much that it is almost worn smooth with just a memory of the patterns.  $105.US.
  AF496.   I was very happy to find Ethiopian silver beads again, after not having any additions last year.  These are generally strung to be worn around the ankles.  They are priced at $2.75/gram.  Many of the beads are hollow, but the more expensive ones are solid silver.   Strand #1 is 11 inches long - $79.US.   Strand #2 is 11 inches long - $57.US.   Strand #3 is 10 inches long - $69.US.   Strand #4 is 11 inches long - $75.US.   Strand #5 is 11 inches long - $73.US.   Strand #6 is 11 inches long - $93.US.   Strand #7 is 10 inches long - $72.US.   Strand #8 is 11 inches long - $60.US.   (all sold - try again in March)
  AF497.   Here are more Ethiopian silver ankle bead strands.  Most of these are heavier (solid silver, not hollow) than the ones above so more expensive.  They are priced at $2.75/gram.   Strand #1 is 10 inches long - $125.US.   Strand #2 is 10 inches long - $211.US.   Strand #3 is 10 inches long - $214.US.   Strand #4 is 12 inches long - $152.US.   Strand #5 is 10 inches long - $78.US.   (all are now sold)
  AF498.   These are mixed metal beads including silver but are not of sterling quality.  They are silver with the slightest gold tinge under certain light.  The beads are hand hammered into shape and $35.US/strand.   
  AF499.   These are mixed metal beads including silver but are not of sterling quality.  They are silver with the slightest gold tinge under certain light.  The beads are hand hammered into shape and $35.US/strand.  

  AF500.   These wee little silver beads have become extrememly rare and I was happy to find them again.  The beads are tiny and require a great deal of fussy work to create.  They look great wound around and around.  The strands are each over 42 inches long.   $165.US/each strand.   (sold)
  AF501.   There is a nice variety of strands of silver beads here, all from an old collection.   Strand #1 is 10 1/2 inches long - $28.US.   Strand #2 is 20 inches long - $125.US.   Strand #3 is 16 inches long - $155.US.   Strand #4 is 38 inches long - $230.US.   (all are now sold)  
  AF502.   This is a very nice collection of stone celts (chisels, scrapers, axes, cutters) from the Sahara of Africa.  They were extremely important tools created in similar forms in many parts of the world.  Since they are popular with collectors there are many fakes being made.  Look out for celts with too perfect slopes on the blade side and a number all of the same stone and shape being sold at once.  These are from an old collection and all are authentic, most likely fitting into a period BC.   #1 is 1 1/2 inches tall.  The stone has been banged around a bit many years ago with dents now worn smooth.  The colours of this small piece are beautiful.  A bargain at $20.US.   #2 is 1 3/4 inches tall and a nice spotted stone.  $25.US.   #3 has very nice angles aiming towards the blame.  I often like the feeling of holding a stone celt in the palm of my hand - they often fit very comfortably.  This is 1 5/8 inches tall - $25.US.   #4 is a smooth sand coloured stone with a gentle soft shape.  1 1/2 inches tall - $20.US.   #5 is small (1 1/4 inches tall) and quite perfect.  $20.US.   I love the colouring of #6 with that small creamy stripe on a corner of the stone.  This celt is wider than it is tall.  1 1/2 inches tall - $30.US.   #7 is the largest.  The stone has worn over the years with the softer bits fading a bit so that it feels slightly pebbly.  Very attractive.  2 1/8 inches tall - $35.US.
  AF503.   Here is a very handsome Ethiopian silver cross.  It seems that it has changed over the years.  The side that you see in the preview image on the left is the original side.  It was used for many years, but at some point a complex design was added to the other side, and the hanging loop was replaced with a new one.  It has been transformed.  the cross is cut in a very attractive shape with square and round holes in the central part as well.  The cross is 4 inches tall.  $110.US.   (sold)
  AF505.   This is a very beautiful silver Mali (Fulani) ring.  This piece was not cast but forged into shape - it began as a slab of silver that would be heated and hammered, heated and shaped - it had to constantly be heated and then quenched in water to be soft enough to continue being worked.  It would hang beautifully around the neck - and memorably.  This is just under 1 1/2 inches wide and if it were to be used as a finger ring, it is a size 10.   $245.US.   (sold)
  AF506.   This Mali ring is too large to have ever been used as a finger ring - it would have been hung in the hair or used as a pendant.  The ring is made of bronze and has been forged and hammered into shape.  It is an excellent piece measuring 1 3/4 inches across.   $110.US.   (sold)
  AF507.   These rings were used by the Fulani as pendants and you can see where the metal has been worn by the rubbing of the cord against the metal.  Sometimes the piece is constructed with that shape as well.  Ring #1 is 1 1/4 inch in diameter - you can compare the others to judge their sizes.  The rings are  $28.US/each.   (#4 is sold)
  AF508.   Here is another group of Fulani ring pendants.  #1 is 1 inch in diameter.  The rings are $28.US/each.
  AF509.   Here is the third group of Fulani ring pendants.  #1 is 1 inch in diameter.  The rings are $28.US/each.   (#1, #2 and #3 are sold)
  AF510.   These old facet agate (with a moss agate bead and carnelian as well) strands each have a little more than 26 inches of beads on them.  They are gorgeous colours, and beautifully cut.  The strands are fascinating to look at and I wind up examining each bead.   $85.US/each strand.   (#1 & #2 are sold)
  AF511.   Here are three more heavy old facet agate strands (and a little carnelian and other stones thrown in as well).  There are more than 26 inches of beads per strand, arranged in very interesting and attractive ways.   $85.US/each strand.   (#2 is sold)
  AF512.   I have three strands of old Nigerian coral here.  Each strand has over 32 inches of coral on it, is a good colour and nicely graduated.  Strand #1 is $515.US.   Strand #2 is $524.US.   Strand #3 is $496.US.  
  AF513.   I love these heavy, varied and interesting beads.  Most are ancient carnelian but other stones are included as well.  This strand has 24 inches of beads on it with the largest grey teardrop shaped one at the front measuring 2 3/4 inches long.  It is a memorable piece.  The brick coloured piece on one side of the central one has lines making images on it, one of them as a 6 pointed star.   $450.US.
  AF514.   This strand has 24 inches of ancient beads on it.  They are strung very closely as most holes don't go down the center of the bead but towards one side.  The wonderful huge carnelian on the strand is 1 1/8 inch in diameter.  The flat bead at the center of the necklace is 2 inches long.  These are very old beads with the most curious shapes and stringing holes.   $450.US.
  AF515.   I have always had a special fondness for crystal beads in their differences between colours and clarity.  In some beads you can see the stringing hole passing through and that gives me a wonderful sense of the reality of these ancient beads.  There are two strands here, each with its own very distinct personality.  #1 is 26 inches long and the opaque quartz bead at the center is slightly over 1 inch in diameter.  $145.US.   Strand #2 is over 25 inches long and has a nice collection of oval shaped beads on it.  $135.US.   (#1 is sold)
  AF516.   Strand #1 of these ancient crystal & quartz & agate beads has a nice variety of sizes and shapes of beads.  The strand is about 32 inches long and the central round bead is 1 1/8 inch in diameter.  $145.US.    Strand #2 has mostly opaque beads on it of very attractive shaped.  The strand is about 28 inches long and the central bead is 1 1/3 inches long and more than 5/8 inch in diameter.  $135.US.
  AF517.   These two strands of ancient beads have central beads that are among the oldest stone that you could buy.  They were never finished to have smooth surfaces, but worked so that a basic shape was created and usable stringing holes were made.  Strand #1 is 27 inches long and has some beautiful delicate and small beads included.  They graduate nicely and contrast with the chunky beads at the front.  $155.US.   Strand #2 has about 24 inches of beads.  The largest central bead is a little over 1 1/2 inches in diameter.  $155.US.
  AF518.   There are three strands of beautiful pale beads here.  Strand #1 is 28 inches long - $145.US.   Strand #2 is 28 inches long - $145.US.   Strand #3 is 27 inches long - $145.US.   (all are now sold)
  AF519.   This Nigerian necklace is ready to wear.  It has a great variety of colourful beads and is 30 inches around.  The central red glass beads are just under 1 inch long.   $65.US.   (sold)
  AF520.   This ready to wear necklace from Nigeria is a little over 30 inches around.  The glass beads are in muted tones of pink and blue.  The central white beads are just under an inch in length.   $65.US.   (sold)
  AF521.   This is a recently made quite heavy necklace from East Africa.  It has brass bells, copper coils, and coins on it.  The red beads with the trailings on them are Venetian trade beads called "feather beads".  The necklace is 31 inches around and the pendant at the bottom is 4 1/2 inches long.  It is a large and dramatic piece.   $350.US.   (sold)
  AF522.   There are two groups of old brass bells here.  They are darker looking than in the photo.  The bags are $20.US/each.   (one bag is sold)
  AF524.   This is a small and attractive antique Tuareg kitab pendant, silver on the front, and brass on the back.  It has a stringing hole across the top.  The piece is 1 1/4 inches across.   $35.US.   (sold)
  AF526.    This is a Yemeni antique wood and silver prayer counter.  When laid out the group of beads and pendant including the yarn, measures 11 inches.  The beads average 1/2 inch in diameter.  These are very collectible.   $265.US.
  AF527.   Here is one old glass trade bead.  The bead is dark green transluscent glass and slightly over 1 inch in diameter.  It has acquired a coating after many years of wear, which has rubbed off on some of the facet corners creating a rather mysterious look.  $30.US.
  AF528.   Here is a group of facet coral beads.  The beads are old and the facet edges have been slightly smoothed by wear so the feel is very soft.  The largest bead in the center is 1 1/4 inches long and 3/4 inch in diameter.  The shortest bead is 1 inch long.  The entire group is 8 inches long.   $135.US.
  AF529.   I am having a terrible time trying to get the colour of these carnelian beads to show properly.  They catch light so easily that the photographs show them in brightened form and toning them down, tones the background and everything else darker too.  These are great beads though originating in many areas and finally collected together into a 34 inch long eclectic strand.  There are flat beads, round beads, facet beads, a teardrop crystal, oval beads and other variations...   this is finished as a necklace with a sterling silver "S" clasp but could be a doubled up necklace, two separate ones, or whatever you imagine.   The teardrop bead that you can see in the preview photo is 15/16 inch long.   $400.US.

   AF387.  These brass pieces are worn as nose rings or hair pendants in Nigeria by the Kanuri and the Fulani women in Mali.  The work on these two pieces is exceptionally detailed.  The smaller piece #1 is quite worn on one said and smoothed in the central part.  It reminds me of a curled up caterpillar.  The piece is 1 inch across at its longest.   $45.US.  The larger piece #2 is deeply carved in a spiral pattern.  The bronze is a rich dark colour.  It is exceptional.   $115.US.    (#1 is available, #2 is sold)
   AF390.   This is a Tuareg pendant similar to the one shown on page 55 of "a World of Necklaces".  The pendant section is 4 inches tall and 3 3/4 inches wide.  It is made of silver and hammered into a pyramid type of shape.   In the description in the book the author says  "Tcherot are worn by the men.  The various metals are believed to protect them from the many evil spirits prowling in the desert."  It is fine strands of leather that are traditionally woven into suspension strands and bound into tassles.  The leather reaches 14 1/2 inches (29 inches total) to behind the neck.  $345.US.
   AF393.   I believe that this is a Zulu or Swazi piece, but I am just guessing.  It is very tightly woven of beads in a rectangle 10 1/4 inches by 6 inches.  There are triangles added onto the sides.  There are a very few missing beads here which could be added, but they don't spoil the beauty of this piece.  At each corner is a cord with bow shaped bead designs knotted onto it.  I wonder if this was worn at the neck or simply used as a decoration on a wall or table.  All I truly know is that I like it.   $85.US   (sold)
   AF394.   This is quite a weighty thing - a stone mortar and pestle from Africa.  I don't know what country it was brought from but these are used in many countries and have been for thousands of years.  The mortar is 4 3/4 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide.  You can grind grains, spices, leaves, etc. against the stone with a suitable indentation.  The stone is 3 inches by 3 1/2 inches across, and 1 3/4 inches tall at its tallest.  $185.US for the set.  
  AF437.   These brass pendant pieces are $34.US each.  They were originally sewn onto fabric but would look great hung from necklaces with beads or pendants hanging from them.  The largest one is just under 2 inches in diameter.   (#6 is available, all others are sold)

  AF447.   Carnelian beads brought out of Djenne Mali.  Strand #1 is 28 inches long - $78.US.   Strand #2 is 27 inches long - $85.US.   Strand #3 is 26 1/2 inches long - $85.US.   Strand #4 is 27 1/2 inches long - $85.US.   (#1 is available, all others are sold)
  AF450.   Strand #1 - just under 27 inches of beautifully cut ancient quartz from Djenne Mali - $95.US.   Strand #2 - just under 27 inches of nicely graduated ancient quartz beads from Djenne Mali - $95.US.   (#1 is sold)
  AF452.   Here are 28 inches of ancient quartz beads found in Djenne Mali.  The dented central bead is 1 inch in diameter and 1 3/8 inches long.   $110.US.
  AF457.   Brass pendants -  #1 is 2 inches tall - you can average the rest when you compare them.   $28.US/each.   (all are sold)
  AF465.   I have two strands of natural, old, tubular coral beads here.  The colour is just amazing, rich and strong...   #1 is 21 inches long with the beads averaging 3/4 inch long.  They are good smooth beads with bits of texture here and there to show their natural origin.   $648.US.   #2 is 21 inches long with beads that are just slightly narrower.   $560.US.   (#1 is available - it is the only African coral that I have at the moment - #2 is sold)
  AF467.   I have a good variety of granite beads from Africa here.  Strand #1 is 36 inches long for $45.US.  Strand #2 is 25 inches long for  $35.US. and   Strand #3 is 22 inches long for  $35.US.   (all are sold)
  AF468.   There are five strands of granite beads here from Africa.  Some of them are mixed with glass trade beads that originated in Venice.  Strands #1, #2 & #3 average 28 inches in length and are $45.US/each strand.  Strands #4, #5, & #6 average 25 inches in length and are $35.US/each strand.   (#4 is available, all of the others are sold)
  AF469.   granite beads from Africa.   $35.US/each strand.   (all are sold)
  AF473.   This long strand of "Bushmen beads" was bought in South Africa in 1957 or so...   The strand is 110 inches long and closed with a loop over a button.  I rarely get old pieces from this part of the world and was quite thrilled with this collectible piece.  The beads are white and have brown worn into them from use.  The cord is a tough brown string which looks handspun.   $245.US.
  AF472.   I have two strands of beads here.  The first is almost all crystal and the second has carnelian beads mixed in.  These are ancient beads from the trade route of Djenne, Mali.  I can easily say that they are all over 1000 years old, but the can easily be twice as old or older.  Strand #1 is 39 inches long with the largest central bead being 7/8 inch in diameter.  It has one rather remarkable bead that seems to be an eye bead.  $165.US    Strand #2 is 40 inches long with the largest central bead being slightly over 1 inch in diameter.   $155.US   (#1 is sold, #2 is available)

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return to "Contents" page
    .....Ancient beads
    .....Eastern beads and ornaments
    .....Southeast Asia
    .....India
    .....African trade beads
    .....North Africa
    .....the Americas including preColumbian
    .....Europe
.........Mexico - traditional rebozos and market shopping
   .....Contemporary jewelry 
  ......Collections