Mali Bead Set: Clay & Ebony Prayer Beads (7 Strands, 4-17mm)

7 strands of Mali clay and ebony beads (one of them a bundle of 4 fine clay strands), about 1450 beads in all, in terracotta, black and dark brown.

What's included (numbers match the numbered photo)

• #1 Natural Terracotta Round Mali Clay: 10 x 11-12mm beads, 2mm hole, 28" strand, about 50 beads
• #2 Black Terracotta Round Mali Clay: 9 x 10mm beads, 2mm hole, 28" strand, about 65 beads
• #3 Mali Clay (4 Strands): 2 x 4mm beads, 1mm hole, four 28" strands, about 1000 beads
• #4 Ebony Mali Prayer: 5-7 x 9-12mm beads, 2-3mm hole, 24-26" strand, about 100 beads
• #5 Natural Terracotta Mali Clay: 12-13mm beads, 1.5mm hole, 27" strand, about 50 beads
• #6 Rondelle Ebony Mali Prayer: 5-7 x 10-11mm beads, 2mm hole, 28" strand, about 140 beads
• #7 Black Terracotta Mali Clay Round: 16-17mm beads, 1mm hole, 30" strand, about 40 beads

Details

• Bead sizes are measured ranges; handmade clay and wood vary from bead to bead within them
• Holes of 1-3mm: best on beading wire, cord or thin leather
• #3 is four strands of tiny clay disks sold together; the #4 ebony beads have a metal line inlaid around each bead

All seven come from Mali: hand-formed terracotta beads with incised circle, dot and cross patterns filled with white, tiny clay disks, and ebony wood prayer beads. The big clay rounds make bold focal strands, and the ebony and tiny clay strands work as spacers between them. An earthy palette for designers making African-inspired necklaces, malas and home decor.