Brass Strand of Beads

Hundreds of little drums, snug as peas and glowing like old candlelight.

This is a strand of beads. It is brass. Brass beads are generally made by casting in small molds or by the lost-wax method, then strung in lengths that are worn or traded. Short, plump beads in a matte gold that warms to tawny brown in places. Some are barrel shaped, others nearly oval, each with a rim where the metal was folded. The strand lies in tight concentric loops.

Humble beads that know how to catch a lamp.