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African Antiquities
Three Mesopotamian Carnelian Beads
- Origin
- Mali
- Period
- 6th century BC
- Object
- Bead
- Materials
- Carnelian
- Dimensions
- 25–33 mm long, 14–19 mm diameter
- Catalogue
- ANT-069
From the collector
I do not think these are Mesopotamian. The tapered shape, the limited faceting and above all the very straight bead holes point to carnelian trade beads from Mali: ancient bead perforations tend to wander, and these do not. Ironically it is the exact inverse of the silver coil money in this collection — those were Mesopotamian sold as African, and these are African sold as Mesopotamian.Three large carnelian beads, each drilled lengthwise through the centre for suspension.
Provenance
Private collection, Altmar, New YorkComparanda
- C1 Carnelian Stone Beads, collected in Mali — Kazaart — antique carnelian trade beads of the same tapered, lightly faceted form; a live dealer listing, so expect it to disappear
Acquired
Palmyra Heritage Gallery · 2026
