Jewels

A magnificent old Kuchi silver and glass necklace. This piece is an excellet sample of jewellery from that ethnic group. It is made of silver, glass cabochons and other tiny beads. Superb patina and piece. The real thing and certainly not one of the modern version on offer nowadays. The Kuchi people, from the Persian -koch- meaning migration, are Afghan pastoons nomads divided in a number of tribes that inhabit areas of Afghanistan and, to a lesser extent, Pakistan. Early XXth century.

A superb silver and enamel necklace from the Hazara, an ethnic minority group of persian origin that lives in central and Northeastern Afghanistan and in Northwestern Pakistan. This necklace features three flat silver plaques beautifully enameled in two different shades of blue and red with plant decoration. Sadly the technique for the making of these quality pieces has faded. The ensemble also includes nice silver beads and tiny blue, white and green glass beads which make the arrangement extremely attractive. A trip to the "Arabian Nights". The silver plaques are form the second half of the XIXth century and the arrangement more recent.

A nice old Berber talisman -hirz- pendant from the region of the Ida ou Semlal in Western Anti Atlas in Morocco. It features a copper box covered by a silver plaque with incised decoration and classic elements of Berber iconography reinforcing the protective effect of the amulet. It would contain some verses from the Holy Quran to protect its owner from evil. Most likely a part of a necklace together with like talisman. Other denominations: -herz-, -kitab-, -gris-gris, -boîte à Coran-. First half of the XXth century. 

Simple yet great Tuareg silver and cornaline ring (tisek). It features a nice engraved side decoration. It is also ocassionally used as a hair ornament. Great patina. The Tuareg are a nomadic Berber (amazigh) group that lives in the Sahara Desert. Mid-XXth century.

It can be used like pendant.

There are not many examples of beadwork weaving among the Berbers, this labor is much more frequent in sub-Saharan Africa. This beautiful pectoral necklace comes from the Taza region in the Moroccan Middle Atlas.

A lovely necklace made of old recycled -pâte de verre- discs from Ghana. 

A lovely necklace made of old recycled -pâte de verre- discs from Ghana. 

A lovely necklace made of old recycled -pâte de verre- discs from Ghana. 

A lovely necklace made of old recycled -pâte de verre- discs from Ghana. 

A lovely necklace made of old recycled -pâte de verre- beads from Ghana. 

A lovely necklace made of old recycled -pâte de verre- beads from Ghana. 

A lovely necklace made of recycled glass beads -pâte de verre- from Ghana. 

A sophisticated engraved silver Tuareg pendant known as Agadez Cross or Sothern Cross from Niger. It is traditionally the man who would give it to his wive on the wedding day or to his son when reaching adulthood to guide them on the right path.

A sophisticated engraved silver Tuareg pendant known as Agadez Cross or Sothern Cross from Niger. It is traditionally the man who would give it to his wive on the wedding day or to his son when reaching adulthood to guide them on the right path.

A Very original set of one hundred and two vintage gilding bath silver beads from the skillful hands of a Mauritanian artisan. Uniques!

Avarage diametre between 5 and 7mm

Superb gilding bath silver beads necklace. It features the characteristic and intricate granulated and filigree decoration of the Mauritanian goldsmiths. Second half of the 20th century.

Central bead measures 17mm in diameter and the smallest 7mm.

A superb strand of sixty eight trade glass biconical beads, most of them are “eye beads” inspired on the much more ancient Islamic type, and five of them with linear decoration are the so called “King beads” by English merchants or Gololo by West Africans. These types of beads were made in Venice as from the beginning of the XIXth century using the lamp work technique. They were made in a variety of colors combining an opaque glass, solid color core (yellow, burgundy, black, green, etc.). These beads were among the most important ones in the gold trade in Africa.

The biggest bead is 16mm long and 23mm diameter and the smallest 10mm by 12mm.

We use the term trade beads to refer to the European made glass beads that were used by the European merchants and explorers in the trade in Africa as from the 15th century and continued during their colonial expansion. The history of trade beads in Africa takes us then to the 15th century and the arrival of the European, mainly the Portuguese, to the coasts of West Africa. The European discovered quite soon how much the people they met there fancied beads and saw they an opportunity for trade. Amongst the beads that captivated the African people most were glass beads since the techniques for their making had not yet been developed locally. The locals fell for the precious and colorful glass beads such as Venetian millefiori or chevron beads that the European traders had on offer and bartered them for commodities such as precious woods, ivory, gold and even used, ignominiously, in the slave trade. The increasing demand in Africa of European made glass beads continued quite until the first half of the 20th century and it had a boosting effect in the production in cities such as Venice which glass beads became very popular and coveted.

Lamp working is one of the main techniques for the making of glass beads. Lamp or lamp work beads were made using glass canes that were reheated to a temperature of up to 1000 ºC by means of a blowtorch or blowlamp and which were then wound onto a coated iron rod to avoid the molten glass from sticking to the metal. The beads produced by the artisan by these means could be then further decorated by re-heating the bead using the same lamp work method and applying colored glass rods or glass cane inserts to the surface of the bead creating an endless variation of patterns and making of each bead one of its own.

Lovely strand of fifty seven trade glass biconical beads. These type of beads  were made in Venice as from the beginning of the XIXth century using the lamp work technique. They were made in a variety of colors combining a opaque glass solid color core (yellow, burgundy, black, green, etc) on which linear decoration was applied in a lively combination of colors. These beads were known in the trade a “King beads” and also, locally, as Gololo beads. These beads were among the most important ones in the gold trade in Africa.

The biggest bead is 20mm long and 22mm diameter and the smallest 12mm by 13mm.

We use the term trade beads to refer to the European made glass beads that were used by the European merchants and explorers in the trade in Africa as from the 15th century and continued during their colonial expansion. The history of trade beads in Africa takes us then to the 15th century and the arrival of the European, mainly the Portuguese, to the coasts of West Africa. The European discovered quite soon how much the people they met there fancied beads and saw they an opportunity for trade. Amongst the beads that captivated the African people most were glass beads since the techniques for their making had not yet been developed locally. The locals fell for the precious and colorful glass beads such as Venetian millefiori or chevron beads that the European traders had on offer and bartered them for commodities such as precious woods, ivory, gold and even used, ignominiously, in the slave trade. The increasing demand in Africa of European made glass beads continued quite until the first half of the 20th century and it had a boosting effect in the production in cities such as Venice which glass beads became very popular and coveted.

Lamp working is one of the main techniques for the making of glass beads. Lamp or lamp work beads were made using glass canes that were reheated to a temperature of up to 1000 ºC by means of a blowtorch or blowlamp and which were then wound onto a coated iron rod to avoid the molten glass from sticking to the metal. The beads produced by the artisan by these means could be then further decorated by re-heating the bead using the same lamp work method and applying colored glass rods or glass cane inserts to the surface of the bead creating an endless variation of patterns and making of each bead one of its own.

Lovely strand of sixty three trade glass biconical beads. These type of beads were made in Venice as from the beginning of the XIXth century using the lamp work technique. They were made in a variety of colors combining a opaque glass solid color core (yellow, burgundy, black, green, etc) on which linear decoration was applied in a lively combination of colors. These beads were known in the trade a “King beads” and also, locally, as Gololo beads. These beads were among the most important ones in the gold trade in Africa.

The biggest bead is 16mm long and 18mm diameter and the smallest 12mm by 12mm.

We use the term trade beads to refer to the European made glass beads that were used by the European merchants and explorers in the trade in Africa as from the 15th century and continued during their colonial expansion. The history of trade beads in Africa takes us then to the 15th century and the arrival of the European, mainly the Portuguese, to the coasts of West Africa. The European discovered quite soon how much the people they met there fancied beads and saw they an opportunity for trade. Amongst the beads that captivated the African people most were glass beads since the techniques for their making had not yet been developed locally. The locals fell for the precious and colorful glass beads such as Venetian millefiori or chevron beads that the European traders had on offer and bartered them for commodities such as precious woods, ivory, gold and even used, ignominiously, in the slave trade. The increasing demand in Africa of European made glass beads continued quite until the first half of the 20th century and it had a boosting effect in the production in cities such as Venice which glass beads became very popular and coveted.

Lamp working is one of the main techniques for the making of glass beads. Lamp or lamp work beads were made using glass canes that were reheated to a temperature of up to 1000 ºC by means of a blowtorch or blowlamp and which were then wound onto a coated iron rod to avoid the molten glass from sticking to the metal. The beads produced by the artisan by these means could be then further decorated by re-heating the bead using the same lamp work method and applying colored glass rods or glass cane inserts to the surface of the bead creating an endless variation of patterns and making of each bead one of its own.

A lovely Moroccan Berber old silver plaque with beatiful incise decoration. Pieces like these were sewn in rows on textile or leather pieces making beautiful headbands. They were often combined with some other elements such as coral, amzonite, silver coins, trade beads to a most flamboyant result.

A lovely Moroccan Berber old silver plaque with beatiful incise decoration. Pieces like these were sewn in rows on textile or leather pieces making beautiful headbands. They were often combined with some other elements such as coral, amzonite, silver coins, trade beads to a most flamboyant result.

A superb set of old Berber silver hair rings. They were used braided into the hair and filled with wool impregnated with perfume or with other aromatic substances. Sourced in the Draa Valley they were probably made in Tiznit and would have been originally enameled. Charming, lovely worn patina. Beginning of the 20th century

A vintage Kuchi necklace from Afgahistan made of mixed metals beads and great glass pendants. The Kuchi people, from the Persian -koch- meaning migration, are Afghan pashtoons nomads divided in a number of tribes that inhabit areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Medium, size.

A marvellous newly strung necklace that combines a superb combination of old and vintage beads sourced in Mauritania. These include lovely ebony beads (some of them with silver filigree), aluminium, bohemian glass and stone beads and some truly awesome, beautiful and sought after old Mauritanian silver beads (agrabb al-fadda). An elegant and eye-catching necklace that will not go unnoticed.

Central bead meassures 28x22mm

A great set of forty-eight antique Venetian lamp work glass barrel shaped trade beads from the late 1800s. The main body of the beads is of a opaque black color and it is decorated with longitudinal white stripes. This type of beads is quite are and when found quite often it is just a few of them. These we were fotunate enough to source them in Mauritania.

Approximate dimensions: length: 12mm, diameter 8mm.

We use the term trade beads to refer to the European made glass beads that were used by the European merchants and explorers in the trade in Africa as from the 15th century and continued during their colonial expansion. The history of trade beads in Africa takes us then to the 15th century and the arrival of the European, mainly the Portuguese, to the coasts of West Africa. The European discovered quite soon how much the people they met there fancied beads and saw they an opportunity for trade. Amongst the beads that captivated the African people most were glass beads since the techniques for their making had not yet been developed locally. The locals fell for the precious and colorful glass beads such as Venetian millefiori or chevron beads that the European traders had on offer and bartered them for commodities such as precious woods, ivory, gold and even used, ignominiously, in the slave trade. The increasing demand in Africa of European made glass beads continued quite until the first half of the 20th century and it had a boosting effect in the production in cities such as Venice which glass beads became very popular and coveted.

Lamp working is one of the main techniques for the making of glass beads. Lamp or lamp work beads were made using glass canes that were reheated to a temperature of up to 1000 ºC by means of a blowtorch or blowlamp and which were then wound onto a coated iron rod to avoid the molten glass from sticking to the metal. The beads produced by the artisan by these means could be then further decorated by re-heating the bead using the same lamp work method and applying colored glass rods or glass cane inserts to the surface of the bead creating an endless variation of patterns and making of each bead one of its own.

Lovely Kuchi necklace from Afgahistan made of mixed glass beads, coins and dangles and pendants, decorated with different sizes glass cabochons. The Kuchi people, from the Persian -koch- meaning migration, are Afghan pashtoons nomads divided in a number of tribes that inhabit areas of Afghanistan and, to a lesser extent, Pakistan. 

Lovely Kuchi necklace from Afgahistan made of mixed glass beads, coins and dangles and pendants, decorated with glass cabochons. The Kuchi people, from the Persian -koch- meaning migration, are Afghan pashtoons nomads divided in a number of tribes that inhabit areas of Afghanistan and, to a lesser extent, Pakistan. 

A very original silver pendant from the nomadic group of the Peul or Fulani in Mali. Its design reminds somehow of certain gold pieces found among certain groups in Senegal. Fantastic. The chain is included.

A charming vintage Kuchi necklace from Afgahistan made of mixed metals beads and coin dangles decorated with glass cabochons. The Kuchi people, from the Persian -koch- meaning migration, are Afghan pashtoons nomads divided in a number of tribes that inhabit areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Small size.

A great strand of fifty-four trade beads sourced in Mali. They are most likely lampworked Venetian beads made in early 20th century.

Beads have  fascinated men all over the world for thousands of years. From the simplest ones made of clay, bone or horn to those made of metal, amber or glass or the most luxurious ones using precious stones and metals and where the result may sometimes be true pieces of art. Phoenicia, India, China, Rome, Tibet, Egypt, Mali, the Middle East, Mauritania, Venice, Persia, South America. You name it. Africa is not an exception to this. For centuries beads were used in Africa not only as pieces of adornment or status but, in many cases, as currency to trade a vast array of commodities (gold, ivory, exotic wood, etc.). Europe supplied the continent for hundreds of years with beads made in Murano, Bohemia, Germany, etc that mixed with those produced locally and others coming from lands farther beyond. All these beads, their awesome variety of designs, shapes, qualities, techniques, colors, material and origins have created a fascinating world that still subsists today and where we are not only captivated by what meets our eyes but also by the long and amazing history behind. 

A beautiful set of seven Moroccan silver coin pendants from Mohammed V (1909-1961), king of Morocco. Please check the lovely decorated bales. 

A great old Kutchi silver pendant from Afghanistan. Its focal part is made of a lovely squared faceted piece of mirror with hanging chains ending in beautiful heart shaped dangles. A charming small turquoise cabochon adds the final touch. Great patina. Joyful and very wearable.  

A beautiful strand of African white stone beads from Mali. Their shape is very original and pleasing.

Beads have fascinated men all over the world for thousands of years. From the simplest ones made of clay, bone or horn to those made of metal, amber or glass or the most luxurious ones using precious stones and metals and where the result may sometimes be true pieces of art. Phoenicia, India, China, Rome, Tibet, Egypt, Mali, the Middle East, Mauritania, Venice, Persia, South America. You name it. Africa is not an exception to this. For centuries beads were used in Africa not only as pieces of adornment or status but, in many cases, as currency to trade a vast array of commodities (gold, ivory, exotic wood, etc.). Europe supplied the continent for hundreds of years with beads made in Murano, Bohemia, Germany, etc that mixed with those produced locally and others coming from lands farther beyond. All these beads, their awesome variety of designs, shapes, qualities, techniques, colors, material and origins have created a fascinating world that still subsists today and where we are not only captivated by what meets our eyes but also by the long and amazing  history behind. 

A great band or frontal from the Kuchi nomad tribe in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Ornated with coins, beads, mirrors and embroidery. Give your garments as tribal and joyful touch. You decide!.  

A great old silver triangle pendant from Afganistan. It features a notable silverwork, particularly the superb granulation in the fringe of the upper sides. It is further decorated with a nice central cabochon and a fringe of diamond-shaped pendants. Pieces like this one remind somehow of similar pieces found among turkmen tribes in Uzbekistan and Kirgystan. A lovely piece with a very nice patina.  

A beautiful old silver triangle pendant from Afganistan. It features a notable and detailed silver embossing work. It is further ornated with lovely turquoise and red glass paste cabochons. The long fringe of pendants decorated with coral beads at the bottom makes the whole piece very, very original. Pieces like this remind somehow of similar pieces found among turkmen tribes in Uzbekistan and Kirgystan. A great piece.