
Title | Ethiopian Prayer Beads Copper Color with Tassel Africa |
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Materials | Lightweight metal (unknown metal content), yarn |
Made In | Ethiopa |
Traded In | Africa |
Approximate Age | Contemporary |
Overall Condition | Good to fair. 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 |
Object Size | 8-9 mm diameter. See picture with penny for size comparison. |
Necklace Length | 26 inches (including string/raffia) |
Pendant Size | 4.5-5 inches |
Brand | Unbranded |
Style | Beaded |
Type | Necklace |
Picture is an example, yours will be similar.
Additional information: 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.