Hello Martine;
I too would like to know how the powder glass "coral" beads are made.
Twenty years ago the first strand of beads I purchased from a African Trader was a strand of powder glass “coral beads”. They like yours you posted are very colorful. The large beads I posted are not as colorful as the beads you posted as the beads I have buried deep in a box I cannot access.
I hope some member will be so kind as to tell us how they are made.
Sincerely
Thomas Mercer
hi Martine,
here's another example of the Nigerian Coral (Ateyun) beads. I think these are indeed made with powderglas, but mixed with water and maybe honey, arabic gum or something else a little bit sticky (wet core technique). I think the cylindrical ones on this photo are made in a horizontal clay mold. Every bead in this necklace has on one side a stain of white glass and on the opposite some scars impressed with a small stick before baking.
What surprised me is the red color, over the years it didn't change much. Maybe the Yoruba used a colorant what was easy available locally over the years.
The beads from your picture could be made "freehand"
best wishes Hans
btw are you visiting "the Duif" on 28 september this year?
Thank you Hans, the honey, arabic gum solves my problem. Wondered how they got those little holes in it.
Have you actually seen these beads being made? Or anyone else? Are they still being made nowadays?
De Duif: it is on my agenda and I hope I'll get there. Will be great to talk to you.