Set of 5 antique Bohemian molded glass "lightlbulb" beads from Mali wedding bead strands. One is clear to light grey, 2 are blue tinged semi-translucent "milk glass" or "opal glass" and one is semi-opaque off whte. 24mm
Milk glass/ Opal Glass was invented in 16th century Venice as a substitute for porcelain and was made in colors as well as in white.
Lightbulb beads were 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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