Smooth, polished strand of African Bauxite, beads 8mm diameter slices
Perforations 2mm, strung on one 26-inch strand with rich patina
Sometimes called African Pipestone because they resemble Native American “pipestone” beads, Bauxite is aluminum ore.
Ghana and Guinea are two 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) and other blues…
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