Ostrich Eggshell beads from Kenya, mixed sizes 8-12mm
Only one 23-inch strand available
This strand is a mix of older beads ground down into smooth, round discs, and newer ones with irregular edges.
Ostrich eggshell beads are thicker and thus sturdier, than either clam shell or snail shell beads found in Africa. They also have larger holes, up to 1mm+
Ostrich eggshell beads were among the earliest of human adornments, having been made in East and Southern Africa, and traded among different groups, for over 50,000 years.
They are still being made today in much the same way in South Africa, Namibia, and Kenya.
From the collection of Joyce Diamanti, bead researcher, writer, and educator.
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