Bohemian Wedding Beads, All Tabular "Agate" Glass & Rare Dark Colors XLong, 35-inch Strand
SKU: JSD-1379
Sale price
$175.00
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Only 1 in stock
Description
- Extra Long 35-inch of African "Wedding Beads" This unusual strand consists of all flat tabular pear shape beads, mostly in "agate glass", with a few single color ones mixed in. This strand is a rare collection of more subtle & darker colors than most
- Agate glass was developed in red with brown/black to imitate the natural bands and color changes in natural stone agate beads. The Bohemian beadmakers soon expanded the palette to resemble tortoise shell in amber and brown (seen here) black and white, and many bright colors beyond the range or natural stones.
- Made in Bohemia (now Czech Republic) during the 1800s to early 1900s for the African Trade
- In Africa these became especially popular among the Fulani of Mali.
- I've heard two stories of why they are called Wedding beads: a) they are passed from mother to daughter at the latter's marriage, b) they are worn by drummers who perform at Fulani weddings.
- Only one like this available
- From the collection of Joyce Diamanti, bead researcher, writer and educator