Malian Strand of Beads

A beaded strand of sleepy greys, with a dark blue and rust patch near the clasp end.

This strand of beads is from Mali, West Africa. It is excavated glass. Glass beads were traded over long distances and turn up at sites across Africa and Asia. Tiny beads in speckled grey, tan and cream sit in a thin, even strand. Near the top, a few larger beads in deep blue and brown-red break the rhythm, followed by a little white. Surfaces are worn and matte.

Muted all around, then one flash of blue.