Dogon Donuts, properly called annular (aka ring) beads, mostly purple with 2 incehs of amber beads. 12-14mm diameter on 22-inch strand.
The purple color is somewhat enhanced by the hot pink fabric that these are strung on. Without that color behind them they are more subtle, almost like the antique glass that has turned a light violet colre due to long exposure to sunlight.
These were made in the Netherlands (aka Holland) or neighboring Germany for the Africa trade in the 1800s. The earliest, made before 1850, were were the amber and grey blue tones. Clear glass annulars were introduced in the 1860s and cobalt blue, a medium dark green and a few other colors followed in the the late 1800s.
Do not confuse the antique annulars with cheap the Indian copies of the 1990s These do not have the nice patina of the old beads, are thinner and due to lack of proper annealing, much more fragile. They also come in bright colors that did not exist in the 1800s.
My grandmother, a very creative designer, liked to work with these beads, she strung them over sections of seed beads so that these beads could move around freely on the the strand. They're also great for use on thick cords, leather, for bracelets, and as connectors in necklaces and earrings.
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