Small Carved Shells, Mali, Set of 10 dog 16mm long x 14mm diameter

16mm long x 14mm diameter with 1-2mm hole

Clasp at the back

34mm long x 20mm wide

Beads are rough cut and many are still in their original crystal shape

Lovely detail with hatched lines and squiggles

Small Carved Shells, Mali, Set of 10 dog 16mm long x 14mm diameterThese 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!