I looked at this bead on the African Beads and Memory site and I immediately felt it was newer. Before I saw the size what appeared wrong was the "raised" design, it looks as though it was an afterthought and it doesn't appear to have been fired with the firing that created the blue layer (blue layer over-fired, decor under-fired), this led me to believe it was not a genuine older Kiffa. The blue color and consitency is also "off" a bit from the norm. And last but not least is the size, a little too big in my opinion! The technique is nice though and for a "newer" bead is very well made, I haven't seen similar in design, so I will venture to guess that this may be an attempt to create something alot nicer than the typical run of the mill tourist Kiffas.....still a little hope for the art form!

Thomas

I wonder why the "mini Morfia" AKF103 hasen't sold yet? It's a little aged but intact and very nice craftsmanship

And I wonder why you held off? I know, you have STRAND of them--lol. sm

Steve I wanted it but the cost kept me away, I know I'll kick myself in the future but at least it got a good home!
I love this type of Kiffa, I love the Morfias......
here is my meager assortment of this type, I happened to find a crummy shot of them.

benign jealousy, of course! I knew at least a small strand was coming! Steve

Is a super fine example, it would look good with my mini strand! See......... now I'm jealous....auspiciously!

...glaze over in wonder when I look at all my kiffa together, and there is an "enjoyment disadvantage" to having them strung I think, not being able to pick them up individually. Do you have that problem? If I had as many as you I would have a Chernobyl-style meltdown!!Steve

I put samples of all the different types in rows, then I go down the rows 'till I find something close, like here for instance row 4 has some that look like Morfias........................Internal beeding is common when trying to find a special design amongst the masses.....:)

..I bet you can't guess which one I would steal if I was a thief!! One just jumped out at me, but it's an emotional thing. Steve

3rd row from the top, either 2nd from left or 3rd from right? or maybe 9 rows from top 3rd from the right?

..is the ONE! I have one I think with that pattern and cherish it! Of course coming in a close second were any of the ones with the concentric eyes! Steve

....borrow your time-machine.....

I'm sorry for the out of focus.......the wide picture contains some of my favorite small rounds!

Thomas, I'm sending you the bill!!! Rules of the forum is that you give a warning for those faint of heart before you post a mass of Kiffas and anything else outstanding!! AHHHHHHHH, my heart!!!!