Antique Green Striped Watermelon Chevrons, from the African Trade - Rita Okrent Collection (AT0534)

Antique Green Striped Watermelon Chevrons, from the African Trade - Rita Okrent Collection (AT0534)Well matched green watermelon chevron beads from the African Trade, on a broken raffia. Commonly used for trading purposes in West Africa, watermelon chevrons got their name from their top layer being shaped like a watermelon. These were beads of value in African traditional culture as they were an indicator of rank, age, wealth and social status. Circa late 1800's to early 1900's. Strand measures 30 inches. Beads measure 11 14mm length. African Item

Perfect for an ethnic design

African Item 1503b

It came to the collection via Morocco

from Mauritania

Amber is often used in traditional jewelry in West Africa and North Africa in both necklaces and hair adornments

including faceted crystal and jet and skunk beads from the African Trade

from Egypt

Vintage glass millefiori beads

55 inches long

Pendant Item 081

Rare design old glass beads from the African Trade and from Rita’s design studio

13-17 x 18mm beads