
Other Names | Prayer Beads |
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Type of Object | Lightweight copper colored metal (unknown metal content), yarn |
People | Ethiopian |
Made In | Ethiopa |
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 | Dents, splits where halves of beads were joined and holes. |
Bead Size | 7-8 mm diameter. See picture with penny for size comparison. |
Strand Length | 28 inches (including string/raffia) |
Brand | Unbranded |
Style | Beads |
Type | Necklace |
This strand is not intended to be a ready-to-wear necklace. Although the strand can be worn "as is," the string holding it together is not durable and may break with use. For this reason, we recommend that you restring the beads before wearing them.
Photo is an example. Yours will be similar. You are purchasing one.
Islamic prayer beads like this are manufactured by Ethiopian silversmiths and are called musbaha. These are commonly comprised of small hollow and lightweight beads, made from nickel alloy or so-called white metal with a copper wash finish and a yarn tassel attached to an elongated Imam or baluster bead.
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.