Ancient Nila and Fouille Beads
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The following pages contain some beautiful strands of rare ancient Nila and assorted coloured glass, stone and terra cotta beads from the Dogon Area of Mali.
Although popularly known as 'Nila' (which is an Arabic word for blue) there are many variations in colour and differing opinions as to their origins (see this informative article for further details). Most of these beads probably arrived in Mali around 1000 years ago, via the ancient trade routes to Djenné .. from other areas of Africa, Europe and the Middle East .. many have been buried beneath the desert sands for centuries.

Especially selected early translucent blue Nila

Item Number

Strand Length

Bead Sizes

Price

(1) ANL 249-01

21 ins / 53 cm

2 x 5 to 5 x 8 mm

£60  Sold

(2) ANL 249-02

18 ins / 46 cm

2 x 3 to 6 x 13 mm

£54  Sold

(3) ANL 249-03

13 ins / 33 cm

4 x 6 to 6 x 12 mm

£48  Sold

Dome shape beads - typical of
larger ancient blue Nila glass.
These specimen beads clearly demonstrate the difference between the levels of detritus found on beads in sand ( the cleaner ones ) and on those which were found in soil.
The choice is yours as to whether you wish to clean these beads further.
Strand length 14 ins / 36 cm
Bead sizes 4 x 6 to 6 x 13 mm
ANL 249-04   £48

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