Malian Strand of Beads

A loosely hung strand of olive and grey grains, ends left open like a sentence unfinished.

This strand of beads is from Mali, West Africa. It is excavated glass. Excavated glass beads often show weathering, with a dull or pearly crust where the glass has reacted with the soil. Tiny beads in muted olive, khaki and slate, mostly round with a few short tubes, all with a dull, lightly crusted surface. The strand sags into a soft U with thread visible at the top and loose ends.

Lightweight, patient and slightly rumpled at the edges.