Vintage African Baule Tamba Multi-Strand Glass Seed Bead Necklace

This beautiful vintage necklace features 40 individual strands of rich cobalt blue glass seed beads, hand assembled with colorful accent beads, woven natural fiber end caps, and a hand-cut silver-tone metal button clasp.

The necklace has a wonderful presence with its flowing strands, substantial weight, and handcrafted construction. The cobalt blue beads are cool to the touch and appear to be glass. The woven fiber terminals and handmade clasp give the piece a distinctive ethnographic character.

Features

• Approximately 40 individual strands of cobalt blue seed beads

• Approximate weight: 266 grams (9.4 oz.)

• Approximate wearable length: 28 inches (see photos for exact measurements)

• Handwoven natural fiber end construction

• Hand-cut silver-tone metal button clasp

• Multicolor accent beads in orange, red, green, yellow, and black

• Beautiful vintage handcrafted construction

Research

Based on extensive online research and comparison with similar examples, this necklace appears to resemble a Vintage Baule (Baoulé) Tamba multi-strand glass seed bead necklace from Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), West Africa. Comparable examples are described as being made from imported European glass seed beads (often Italian/Venetian or Czech) assembled into traditional multi-strand necklaces.

Condition

Vintage pre-owned condition with expected signs of age and use.

The natural fiber end caps show age-related wear, discoloration, and fraying consistent with an older handmade piece. The bead strands remain attractive and display beautifully.

Please review all photographs carefully as they are an important part of the description and accurately represent the item’s condition.

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Important Disclaimer

I am not an expert in African ethnographic jewelry. The cultural attribution, approximate age, materials, and origin listed above are my best good-faith assessment based solely on online research and comparison with similar pieces sharing comparable construction, materials, and design characteristics. These details should be considered an informed opinion rather than a guaranteed identification.

No guarantees are made regarding the exact tribe, country of origin, age, bead manufacturer, or metal content of the clasp. Buyers are encouraged to conduct their own research before purchasing if these details are important to them.

All photos are part of the description and should be reviewed carefully before purchase.

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Ships carefully packaged from Texas.

Please feel free to message me with any questions or if you would like additional photographs.

Reasonable offers are always welcome.