Malian Strand of Beads

A long line of dusky teal discs, flecked here and there with gold and green.

This strand of beads comes from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the early 1st century, in excavated glass, roughly 2000 years old. Beads like these, found in the ground across the region, are generally considered evidence of very old exchange networks, though their exact origins are often uncertain. Most of the beads here are small, flat discs in teal and slate blue, closely packed. A few yellow and bright green beads interrupt the run near the top. The surfaces are softly frosted from burial, with occasional pitting. It is 14 inches long.

Quiet enough to wear daily, old enough to deserve a little ceremony.