Antique African Amber, oblate shapes (slightly squashed spheres) in nice range of butterscotch colors. Beads 15x19mm to 16x26, most are the larger size, strung on a 35-inch strand with cotton cord extender.
“African Amber” is by now antique (more than 100 years old), but it’s not the same material as natural amber from pre-historic trees.
What’s been called “African Amber” or “Copal Amber” in the trade was made from a phenolic thermosetting resin known as PF Resin or Bakelite, patented in 1909 for industrial uses.
By 1910-20 it was being used for imitation amber and costume jewelry in Europe. Soon thereafter Bohemian glass beadmakers catering to the African market introduced the original “African Amber” between the world wars, with shapes and designs specifically created to please their customers who quickly adopted it for its own merits.
Aside from big Chevrons, African Amber was by far the most expensive bead in West African markets when I lived there, highly valued by the residents as well as visitors and expats. This amber darkens over time, developing desirable fine lines caused by oxidation, heat and sunlight.
This distinguishes it from the most recent imitation amber that is making its way into, and then out of Africa. This has a more uniform yellow color and lacks the depth and beauty of the earlier beads. It's made alkyd resins developed in the 1950s and 60s.
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