5 Strands Mudcloth deals Batik Bone Beads | African Trade Beads | Jk Brown Collection 141455

PRODUCT DETAILS

+ Type of Object - bovine cow bone
+ Made In - Kenya
+ Traded In - Africa
+ Overall Condition - Good. Some of our beads have traveled at least three continents, and have graced numerous deals owners. Small chips, corrosion, and pitting are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use.
+ Damage/Repair - Chips.
+ Bead Size - 8-11 mm diameter. See picture with penny for size comparison.
+ Strand Length - 20-24 inches (includes string/raffia)
+ Brand - Unbranded
+ Style - Beaded
+ Type - Strand of beads

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

FROM THE JK BROWN COLLECTION:
 
Kathie and Jerry Brown have been collecting trade beads for more than 50 years. They had a business selling them for many years, called “Thunder and Lightning.” According to Jerry, “Kathie was the lightning, and I was the thunder!”  
 
Their collecting began in 1967 when they met a Peace Corps volunteer who was selling his collection to finance a school for African children - and the Browns bought it all. Over the years, they've amassed thousands of strands of Venetian and other European trade beads, as well as made-in-Africa beads and jewelry. They sold at Mountain Man rendezvous and other events. Africa Direct is very proud to be the new owners of this extraordinary collection.
This strand is not intended to be a ready-to-wear necklace. Although the strand can be worn "as is," the raffia holding it together is not durable and may break with use. For this reason, we recommend that you restring the beads before wearing them.

Additional Information: Mudcloth beads are made of bone and are created in Africa using a “batik” technique. Wax is painted onto the bead to create a design, then the remaining surface is darkened with a vegetable dye. Once the dye is set, the wax is removed. The resulting graphic is reminiscent of the African “bogolanfini” fabric known as mudcloth.For more information, please see our comprehensive guide to African-made beads, African Beads: Jewels of a Continent, hardcover, 216 pages, 163 color photographs, available from Africa Direct.

 


SKU: 141455