Strand of Carved Shell "Bead Caps" from Mali French jet Heavy and impressive

Heavy and impressive

Set of 25 of wonderfully lumpy

early 1800’s

40mm diameter x 19mm thick with four stamped "eyes" pattern

Old (circa 1940s) prayer cylinder from Thailand with blessed yellow prayer cloth inside

Strand of Carved Shell "Bead Caps" from Mali French jet Heavy and impressive26" strand of intricately carved shell beads from West Africa. These hand carved beads are traditionally worn against the scalp by Mali women with fancy braided hairdo's and are shaped like a bead cap. Some have one hole, some have two (like a button). Great for setting into silver bezels or capping a fancy bead. Size ranges from 10 18mm diameter. Over 150 beads in each strand!