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With their rich, earthy terracotta and brown tones, these tiny 3mm Mali Clay Beads are extremely versatile for 'nature' and 'eco' inspired projects...
View full detailsThe individual beads in this strand of tiny African clay trade beads measure approximately 3 mm in diameter! The strand is in good condition. The l...
View full detailsNatural resin from Danq tree known in Africa as Myrrh. It has a lovely mild aroma, can be used as incense or can be worn as-is or even hung in you...
View full detailsMali Stone beads are said to be centuries old because they seem to have been made in a very primitive way. This strand of African beads is 28" lon...
View full detailsTake a moment to appreciate the luxurious hues of these Carnelian Stone Sphere Beads. Commonly referred to as the 'Stone of Confidence', Carnelian ...
View full detailsHere is a beautiful strand of Mali Silver Bicone Beads from Africa. The strand is an extra long 28-30", with beads measuring approximately 10-13mm ...
View full detailsThese authentic Djenne beads derive their name from the ancient city in Mali where they are found. Also known locally as Nila beads, they are said ...
View full detailsThese great bicone-shaped beads are bold and versatile. Each bead measures approximately 15 x 15mm, with a hole size of 2mm. Strands measure 24" in...
View full detailsThis beautiful strand of silver saucer-shaped beads was made in Mali West Africa. Beads such these are said to be made by melting old silver coins ...
View full detailsThese vintage glass beads carry a red vibrant color and rustic feel. Pay attention to the unique cut & shape to each bead, as well as the varia...
View full detailsGreat strand of smaller size prayer beads from Mali. These small beads are great for bracelets and earrings. The ebony wood has been individually i...
View full detailsThese authentic Djenne beads derive their name from the ancient city in Mali where they are found. Also known locally as Nila beads, they are said ...
View full detailsThese colorful beads are commonly known as Mali Wedding Beads. They were original produced in the former Czechoslavakia and subsequently traded in ...
View full detailsMali Stone beads are said to be centuries old because they seem to have been made in a very primitive way. This strand of African beads is 24" long...
View full detailsThis unique strand of natural beads is made from real Malian seeds. Each strand contains beads ranging in size approximately 14-25 x 19-28mm. Stran...
View full detailsHere is a beautiful strand of Mali Brass Beads from Africa. The strand is an extra long 38-40", with beads measuring approximately 13-16mm in diame...
View full detailsCheckout these beautiful bone beads from Mali West Africa! Each bead has been meticulously carved by hand in a traditional serrated pattern. The ri...
View full detailsThese unique beads are said to be individually carved from camel bone. The striated pattern on these beads gives them a beautiful tribal look. Each...
View full detailsTake a look at this strand of brass beads from the West African country of Mali. These great beads have a decidedly solid feel. Individual beads me...
View full detailsHere is a beautiful strand of Mali Silver Beads from Africa. The strand is an extra long 34", with beads measuring 14-15mm in diameter and 9mm wid...
View full detailsThese rustic quartz beads are said to have been hand-cut and bow-drilled by Dogon tribesmen ages ago. While today such production methods are consi...
View full detailsAdmire this exceptional strand of ancient Conus shell beads from Mauritania. Traditional beads such as these are sometimes recovered from the groun...
View full detailsThis beautiful strand of brass Bicone Beads was made in the West African nation of Mali. The strand is 32" long, with individual beads measuring 17...
View full detailsThe vibrant red beads are from the West African country of Mali but are likely old European trade beads from Czechoslovakia. The refined oval shape...
View full detailsMali is home to many exotic bead markets. Below are African beads from Mali. A large variety of trade beads are found in the West African nation of Mali. These include Wedding Beads, Clay Beads, Stone Beads, Brass Beads, Vaseline Beads, Dogon Beads and many other styles. Some of these beads are produced locally and others were brought to Mali through foreign trade. A number of sub-Saharan ethnic groups make up the population of Mali including the Bambara, Soninke, Khassonke, Malinke, Dogon, and a number of smaller groups.
Mali Wedding Beads are especially well known due to their unique and colorful appearance. These beads can actually be as much as a century old and most were originally brought to Africa for trade from Czechoslovakia however newer varieties also exist. Mali Wedding beads come in a number of different designs including tear-drop and triangle shapes and are multi-colored even within a single strand. Traditionally, these beads are given as a wedding gift and this where they derive their name.
Similarly Vaseline beads were traded in Mali as early as the 19th century when they were imported from European regions such as Bohemia and Czech. These are made of semi-translucent glass and come in a number of colors including green and yellow. Some colors are more rare than others.
Quartz and stones beads of ancient origin have also been excavated in Mali West Africa. For example, one variety of quartz beads was found near Djenne, a city in Mali. Other beads may be made of Carnelian, Amazonite, Granite Jasper, or Agate. Some of these beads traveled to Mali during ancient times along Roman trade routes. The Mali Empire reached its zenith in the 14th century when the cities of Djenne and Timbuktu were major centers of learning and trade in gold, salt and slaves were a major source of wealth.