Blue Kiffa Bead, Imitating Cowry Shell African These Dutch-made glass beads where

These Dutch-made glass beads where made in the 1700s and traded in Africa

Handcut and faceted in India

The pendant's back is crushed a little

Strands are a mix of light and dark brass

Strand of rich dark amber bi-color quartz briolettes 10-32mm long x 3mm thick

Blue Kiffa Bead, Imitating Cowry Shell African These Dutch-made glass beads whereThis very cool bead was made in Kiffa, Mauritania. It is very old and was made as a female fertility charm to resemble a cowry shell, mainly by women artists. Historically, Kiffa beads are very important as its ancient technique (dating to 1000 years ago) made it one of the oldest glass bead making processes in Africa, which was purely African in origin. This bead is around 200 years old, possibly older. 12 17mm tall x 9 13mm wide x 6mm thick with a