Ostrich Eggshell Heishi, 12mm Diameter on short 10.5-inch Strand
SKU: JSD-718
Sale price
$15.00
Shipping calculated at checkout
Out of stock
Description
- Eggshell beads from Kenya, irregular edges but consistent 12mm diameter
- Only one 10.5-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
- The combine well with other African beads like bone, spindle whorls, and metals, as well as with other organics, especially large wood beads in natural colors
- 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