
Title | Yoruba Mock Coral Bead Africa |
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Type of Object | Glass |
People | Yoruba |
Made In | Nigeria |
Approximate Age | 20th century |
Overall Condition | Good. Some of our beads have traveled at least three continents, and have graced numerous owners. Small chips, corrosion, and pitting are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use. |
Damage/Repair | pitting and chips in some beads; dirt |
Bead Size | 9-16 mm diameter. See picture with penny for size comparison (US penny is 19 mm diameter). |
Strand Length | 27 inches (includes string/raffia) |
Additional information: Coral, especially red Mediterranean coral, was highly valued in West Africa. Since genuine coral was difficult to acquire, and expensive, many coral imitations were produced. These handsome glass beads from Nigeria are one example.
For more information, please see our comprehensive guide to African-made beads, African Beads: Jewels of a Continent, hardcover, 216 pages, 163 color photographs, available from Africa Direct.