Smooth, polished Vintage strands of African Bauxite, 4x7mm, very regular
Perforations range from 1-2mm, strung on 20-inch strands with rich patina
Sometimes called African Pipestone because they resemble Native American “pipestone” beads, Bauxite is aluminum ore.
Ghana and Guinea are some of the world’s largest producers of aluminum and these beads are a happy byproduct. Their brick red color reminds me of the ubiquitous red soils, roads, and dust of Africa.
I bought these in Abidjan in 1970, newer ones are rarely this nicely finished.
They work well with trade beads, light blue chevrons (Awalleh), other blues, the various white shell heishe beads and coconut shell heishi
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