
Title | Mudcloth Batik Bone Beads Cylinder Kenya African Art |
---|---|
Type of Object | bovine cow bone |
Made In | Kenya |
Traded In | Africa |
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 | Surface scratches |
Bead Size | 6 mm diameter. 2 mm hole.See picture with penny for size comparison. |
Strand Length | 29 inches (includes string/raffia) |
Picture is an example. Yours will be similar.
Additional Information: Mudcloth beads are made of bone and are created in Africa using a “batik” technique. Wax is painted onto the bead to create a design, then the remaining surface is darkened with a vegetable dye. Once the dye is set, the wax is removed. The resulting graphic is reminiscent of the African “bogolanfini” fabric known as mudcloth.
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.