African trade bead necklace
October 13, 2008 by Cyndi Lavin
Filed under Bead Stringing, Beading, Make Art Monday, Wearable Art
Make Art Monday!
This piece is HEAVY!! I used a lot of different African trade beads that I’ve collected over the years, including some that my sister-in-law brought back for me from her actual trips to Africa. The mix includes some mosaic cane glass beads, brick red glass greenhearts, pipestone, and sandcast glass beads. I haven’t been to Africa myself, but I’ve always been fascinated.
The large tan beads on the longest strand are wound-glass beads, originally made in Hebron, Palestine, centuries ago. The glass makers moved on to several other spots, including Egypt and Turkey, and the beads are still made. These are probably 200 to 300 years old. Not as old as some, but still pretty nifty!
I don’t have a name for this piece yet, but I suppose one will eventually come.
Great article.
What a lovely piece. I’m curious to know just how heavy it is? As for a name how about “Out Of Africa” – I know it’s a little cliche, but it does seem to fit considering the origin of most of the beads.
I *like* “Out of Africa”! It’s perfect
It is really heavy, Amanda. I tried to lighten it up a bit by including the smaller beads, but still… The triple strand helps a bit to distribute the weight in the front, but it all comes together in the back!
If you like this necklace and I do very much you will also like my jewelry of the same character at http://www.suschu.com. i have designed jewelry with trade beads and other antique elements for 35 years and love this material.
BEST SO YOU BEAD LOVERS
SUSANNE