Set of 5 antique Bohemian molded glass "lightlbulb" beads from Mali wedding bead strands. Three show the faux stone color blending technique called "agate" in brown and white. Two are all dark brown. Two of the agate beads have rounded ends, the other is pointy. All are 25mm long
Made in Bohemia (now Czech Republic) during the 1850s to early 1900s
Traded to Africa where they became especially popular among the Fulani of Mali.
I've heard two stories about why they are called Wedding beads: a) they are passed from mother to daughter at the latter's marriage, b) they are worn by drummers who perform at Fulani weddings.
These days as the beads keep rising in price, women more often wear just a few in their braided hair, or on simple necklaces with just 3-5 beads.
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