Antique strand of Wedding Beads (aka Lightbulb Beads) discovered in a box of beady treasures in my basement. These came to the US in the 1980s have more unusual beads in them than even the best strands on the market today.
This strand has 27 inches of beads including 8 claw pendants (one slightly chipped) 6 triangles (2 slightly chipped) and 64 lightbulb beads for 78 beads total, showcasing a wide range of the colors, special finishes and shapes that made these beads so popular.
They are neatly strung with an additional 5 inches of cotton wrapped cord so they can be worn as is -- or rearranged into your own great designs
Made in Bohemia (now Czech Republic) during the 1800s 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
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