Ethiopian Silver & Bead Necklace

This very beautiful necklace is very much of its period. It was of a style worn in Ethiopia around 1930 and makes use of a new type of bead – that made from an early version imported bakelite. The examples here are dark red and solid and they are particularly attractive in terms of their shape, colour and sheen. They are complimented by more traditional hollow silver beads – a mixture of gadrooned beads and faceted beads, which were typical of the Harar region. The necklace terminates on each side with a round bead from which a conical section emanates.

The lower three bakelite beads are augmented with round bone disk spacers.

The necklace closes with a hook and eyelet catch and is stable and wearable.