Vintage Ostrich Eggshell beads from Kenya, mixed sizes 10-15mm diameter
Only one 20-inch strand available
Ostrich eggshell beads are thicker and sturdier than either clam shell or snail shell beads found in Africa. They also have larger holes, up to 1mm
Ostrich eggshell beads are among the earliest human adornments, having been made in East and Southern Africa, and traded among different groups, for over 50,000 years.
They are still being made today in much the same way in South Africa, Namibia, and Kenya, but only older women still wear them.
From the collection of Joyce Diamanti, bead researcher, writer and educator
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