Yoruba Brass Bells Pendants Beads Nigeria 2024 Africa 135098

PRODUCT DETAILS

+ Title - Yoruba Brass Bells Pendants Beads Nigeria Africa
+ Other Names - spiral brass
+ Type of Object - brass bells (unknown metal content), glass
+ People - Yoruba
+ Made In - Nigeria
+ Overall Condition - Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.   Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use.  We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings.  Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.
+ Damage/Repair - Dented, casting flaws, chips and pits.
+ Bead Size - 8 mm in diameter. Bells .5-1 x .25-.75 inches.
+ Strand Length - 27 inches (including string/raffia)
+ Brand - Unbranded

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

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:

For ages, brass and gold African beads have been made using the “lost wax method.” First a model of the object is made from beeswax, then dipped repeatedly in a solution of fine ash or charcoal powder mixed with water. This forms a mold, or “crucible,” which is allowed to dry and harden. In the case of beads with fine strings in their design, a syringe is used to produce the long, thin wax pieces which are then wrapped around charcoal to leave a hole during the heating process. As the molds harden, channels are left in them to enable the wax to drain out during the heating process which takes place in a kiln. As the wax melts and is “lost”, molten brass or gold is poured into the mold to form the bead or ornament. When the metal has cooled, the molds are broken open and cleared away and the new art object is thoroughly cleaned and shined before it is presented to the world. In some cases the final product is gilded for an especially rich finish.For more information, please see our comprehensive guide to African-made beads, African Beads: Jewels 2024 of a Continent, hardcover, 216 pages, 163 color photographs, available from Africa Direct.

CLM1020



SKU: 135098