Small Carved Shells, Mali, Set of 10 cabs four drawers that pull out

four drawers that pull out for storage

5mm x 8mm x 10mm with two small 1mm loops for stringing

The color varies on these beads from creamy butterscotch to nearly black

and these beads are made from fossilized bones which were excavated from the Solo River region of Java

Small Carved Shells, Mali, Set of 10 cabs four drawers that pull outThese intricately carved antique shell beads are traditionally worn by Malian women in fancy braided hairdo's and are shaped like a bead cap. Some have one hole, some have two (like a button). Great for setting into silver bezels, dangling from earrings, or capping a fancy bead. Size ranges from 10 14mm diameter. Sold as a set of 10. Hand carved in Mali early 1900's. No two sets alike!