Old Kiffa Bead from Mauritania
This very unusual and rare bead was made in Kiffa, Mauritania. It is very old and was made by women. A striking design with wonderful colorful lines of color and eyes. 10mm diameter x 8mm tall, with slight chip to outer layer of glass and porous surface. 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; 8mm tall x 9mm diameter. For more information check out issue #36 of Ornament Magazine.
