Rare, dark red African amber, almost rectangular bead 24x28mm 14mm thick
The red "African amber" is very rare, and the shapes usually differ from the more typical oblates, but I'm confident they are of the same vintage and source.
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, and others, for example cooking pot handles and telephones.
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. They made 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 in the 1970s, highly valued by the residents, as well as visitors and expats.
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