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 multiple stripes and bold eyes. Wonderful colorful lines of color. 10mm diameter x 9mm tall. 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. For more information check out issue #36 of Ornament Magazine.
