Small Carved Shells, Mali, Set of 10 cabs The color varies on these

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

Size ranges from 26 x 20mm to 42 x 37mm

8mm hole in the top of the skull with seven "natural" holes (eye sockets

Small Carved Shells, Mali, Set of 10 cabs The color varies on theseThese 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!