I mentioned in a separate post, yesterday, that the Islamic Period rolled-pad beads that are called "morfia" in Mauritania were originally made in Egypt, at Fustat. This is a perspective I have promoted for quite a few years, and is supported by articles composed by Peter Francis, Jr. (who often did not agree with me, but in this instance did).

In the 1970s and early 1980s, when our particular rolled-pad beads occasionally appeared in the marketplace, they were routinely called "Roman beads from Egypt." This made their collective ages about a thousand years too early. I was instrumental in changing that perspective, and—in fact—promoting the unrecognized idea that MANY ancient beads, presumed to be "Roman" actually dated from Islamic times. Until I did this work, there was almost no such thing as an "Islamic Period bead." (Because they were mistakenly said to be "Roman.") If I may be allowed to toot my own horn for a moment, this is some of the significant work I have done as a bead historian, over the past twenty-something years.

Below is a photograph I took in 1990, of a bead in a private collection. It is an Egyptian rolled-pad bead that features both diagonal stripes and eye patterns. In Mauritania, this would be considered a "morfia." I also used this photo in my article on Kiffa beads (Ornament, 1996), to demonstrate that these beads inspired the diagonal lines and spots typically seen on many Kiffa pendants and beads.

JDA.

I recently mentioned that I believe morfia and fakron beads pass between Mauritania and Mali, in either direction. It is sensible that they would go from Mali to Mauritania, because Mauritania is where the highest prices can be realized from their sales (it is said). It's harder to understand the reverse, except that Mali has important markets (such as at Bamako), where old beads are sold (while it is difficult to travel to Mauritania, by comparison, for many travelers).

In 1999, two remarkable strands of morfia (and fakron) beads were offered for sale to American collectors. I was personally aware of the negotiations, and was consulted as to authenticity, desirability, and price—because no one had ever seen so many of these beads in one place before. I watched these strands change hands, and I know both of the individuals who eventually acquired them.

The strands (one is longer than the other, and therefore "better" in some opinions) are remarkable in terms of numbers of beads, condition (state of preservation), and for the cost. They were VERY expensive. However, they still cost a fraction of the prices asked for in Mauritania. AND, they were represented as coming out of Mali.

I didn't bring them out—so I don't know what the truth may be. But I find what I was told to be credible.

Below is one of the photographs I took, showing about twelve of these beads (from the longer strand). This is a small percentage of the beads included—but they are quite wonderful specimens.

Jamey

I have seen both of these strands!! I know the original owner! I know that he was looking for buyers! I do not believe for one minute that these strands originated in Mali !!!! Unless, there were identical strands flotting around, around the same time, these are indeed the beads that I have held in my hand and had the opportunity to purchase! ( No, I could never buy these!)! If, they were less expensive than you would have imagined, there is an completely logical reason why. The reason is certainly not because they were found in Mali! The assumption that beads are less expensive in Mali is just an assumption that is not based on fact! Beads are not less expensive in Mali than Mauritania. Thats why you can even buy Kiffa in Mali. For those who believe that you can get a better deal on beads in Mali than Mauritania, should go there to see for theirselves! They will be very disapointed!

Hi Christine,

I don't doubt what you say, in concept. However, you seem to be not getting the gist of it.

Whether these beads were seen (by you or anyone) in Mauritania, they came to the US out of Mali. (This demonstrates my admonition that beads travel from Mauritania to Mali, if that is what happened.) No one said they "originated in Mali."

In point of FACT, these beads DID sell for less than an expected Mauritanian price. Your explanation doesn't say why nor how that is possible.

I don't understand why we are discussing all this. Everyone knows that, regardless of location, it is always possible to pay much-too-much for a bead; and it is possible to get a great deal occasionally too.

Jamey

Beadman,
what has happened to you lately....?

You call this to be a fabulous group of beads? You have to explain. I see more of the opposite, to be frank! VERY EXPENSIVE....? This group of beads you have shown? You must be (!!!!) kidding!

I see three good "Dhar Verkrun" (cost just 80-100 Dollars apiece in Peshawar) and two so-so OK-Morfias - neither good not bad that means - but various truely low-quality Morfias (distorted designs, hardly any colors left, chips). Top row, second from left and right. All "morfias" in the lower row are low-lowest grade, with an US retail sales-price not higher than 80-100 $ apiece. Who would pay more. Can you tell? Actually I even find this quality to be unsellable - at any price, unless one wanted them as specimen to show the difference between good and low-grade beads. The "Verkruns" in that strand are way better, but also way cheaper (Pakistan).

The total price for the beads shown should not exeed 1600 Dollars, as I just have counted. It needs a cunning seller and a naive buyer to pay and get a higher price.

Tell us what this poor buyer had paid? Do not say more than 2000 oder more?

Pffffffff....!!!!

This quality of Morfias (except for the 2 mentioned, which would possibly sell at 125-150 $ in the Sahara) are those which cost 30-50 $ apiece, but are usually given as a present and for free, when the buyer makes some other choices. Generally they are considered being unsellbable!

And you call them "fabolous quality"....? If you were serious, there must be a reason behind it. Have you maybe advised to buy these...?

Unfortunately you might consider this to be a provocation, but I wait for those with knowledge on this beads to confirm any single word I just said. NOBODY (!!!!!) knowing them, can call them "fabulous" or even good or fair. They are actually no more than so-so at it´s best and that includes the two pieces (second from left and right, upper row) which I consider to be OK, but far away from good and lightyears from being fabulous.

I conclude, Beadman, you have not seen many of this beads. Or how can you explain that you were so far off of the Morfia-reality...?

I wait now for those to confirm what I just said. Or is this too much to ask for?

I am left stunned, truely! And you better believe me in this case, not your "personal Jesus". Why? Because "Morfias", together with "Kiffas", "Lauscha" and "Moroccan Jewelry" are my main topic and choice of collecting and research!

And now...? Will I be kicked again for unappropiate statements? Will I be "stomped" in a hollow and wrong one-sentence-statement? Where are those to agree with me - at least regarding the quality of "Morfias".

Ram-Ram - Namaste!
Dr. K. R. Ishna
Bhubaneshwar, January 31

Oh dear, Dr Ishna, do be careful - I can just hear you spluttering all over your keyboard! But instead of subjecting us to all this boringly repetitive vituperation, why don't you show us some examples from your own superb collection. And if you're giving away some "unsellable" beads like the ones Jamey posted, I'm sure you'll find lots of takers.

Will

I accidently deleted your email thus can't find your address anywhere! Could you send it to me again, please?

Thank you for the big smile, Austin. Just what was needed here!

Jürgen,

Your lack of command of the English language is laughable.

First of all, I wrote that the word "morphia" from the Greek/Latin name "morpheus" is NOT related to the beads called "morfia"—and that this name should NOT be spelled with a "ph."

The STRAND of beads I discussed must have over forty specimens, of which I posted a photograph showing twelve beads. I wrote that the STRAND is "fabulous." How are you in any position to judge this STRAND based on the twelve beads you can see? And how can you possibly presume to have ANY IDEA what it may be worth? I selected a convenient photograph that was available to be scanned. It is a DETAIL of the STRAND.

These beads are NOT from Peshawar (Pakistan)—so their pricing structure (as you WELL KNOW) has no relationship to their value in Asia, since they are African.

"I conclude, Beadman, you have not seen many of this beads."

Lord have mercy—you are such an idiot....

Go back and TRY to read it again, and try to get the message. Your reply is preposterous. Then, do not bother us again (especially me) with additional nonsense.

JDA.

I do not have hundreds (let alone thousands) of dollars to spend on ancient beads. Much of the joy I receive in life, and my career, is from the opportunity to study and document great beads.

Nevertheless, I am the owner of a single morfia, that I received in trade about ten years ago.

It is slightly smaller than many beads, and is not in the best possible condition. But I am very fond of it.

JDA.

As someone with limited resources and big dreams, I would be interested in knowing the est. value of these beads and others that are displayed in this forum. While I understand the fundamental joy of collecting and am very curious about the manufacture and how to determine authenticity of these little beasts, I would really like to know how many pennies I have to save for an acquisition. I understand that the range wrt condition, rarity, etc., make it impossible to get a definitive value but an "in the ballpark" range of values would be nice and very helpful.

Hi VV,

The general scuttlebutt suggests that in Mauritania morfia (and similar beads) can be had for the asking price of about $1000. I don't know of anyone paying $1000—but that doesn't mean it hasn't happened. (If this is an "old price" it's the last one I heard, and the folks who are discussing the topic here are not saying prices. What's said is 'you won't believe the prices.' Not very helpful.)

The strands that were sold, if you count the beads and divide by the sales figure, cost a lot, but much less than $1000 per bead. I'm not at liberty to say what anyone paid.

For my bead, if I recall correctly, I got it for partial trade (I don't remember for what) and partial cash payment—equaling $300.

I HATE discussing the prices of things, because inevitably someone is going to vocally disagree, and say I am way too low..., or way too high. You cannot win. So, before anyone says anything—I am a poor man of Scottish descent, always looking for a bargain—and who firmly believes that the prices of beads are artificially manipulated to escalate, so that the high-end dealers can make a big profit. Added to that, markets vary tremendously, depending on what part of the world you are in, and upon the quality of the bead in question. It is very easy to presume that the top-dollar amount collected for any particular bead equals the routine current price. (And thus bead prices escalate.) When in fact, that bead cost so much because of some rarity or characteristic that—in the eyes of the seller AND buyer—made it necessary to be the highest price ever paid. Unfortunately, what happens is that EVERYONE then wants his (or her) beads to sell at that level too, regardless of whether it's a rare specimen, in good shape, or of unusual characteristics.

You are welcome to disagree with with me, but don't expect me to argue about it.

In haste, Jamey

Morfias do not sell in Mauritania for $1000!!! Just look at the websites that sell them! If, websites like AFRICAN BEADS AND MEMORY and AFRICAN TRADE BEADS sell good quality Morfias for $300-$400 then its totally illogical to think they paid $1000 for them!

for your priceless info on beads cost.

hi everyone, I'd like to say I am glad there is such a passionnate debate on morfias because beadcollecting is all about passion, isn't it? and well you can love or hate with a passion as the English say. I am not trying to make any point here and we all know prices can vary a lot according to time and place and many other unconscious factors. as for me, the right price is the one i am ready to pay for something i really like.
I travel to Mauritania and Mali more or less three times a year (leaving tomorrow to timbuktu and tuareg settlements). I have purchased morfias in Mauritania and Mali. I have met villagers in Mali who sell their morfias to traders from Mauritania but I have also bought high quality morfias in Nouakchott for a lower price than in Bamako.... i think it says it all, all cases are different and any generalization about such subjective matters is hopeless. Jamey i DO get your point but i also get other forumites' point. let's discuss beauty and history. i thank you for your beautiful pictures and i thank those who shed light on the history of beads through their hard work. as someone once said, it's all about people...

Most of these are already sold and I don´t know if the price today will be the same...Happy beadcollecting...!

The nicest condition Morfia I found in Tucson was $800 at:
Kamol PO Box 95619, Seattle, WA 98145,not yet sold, and the poorest condition Morfia was $200, I hope this helps, Thomas

I understand what Jamey is saying about the hazards of giving prices, and I promise not to argue about bead prices. :^)

I DO find it helpful to know even ballpark prices. It helps to know if a bead is suspiciously underpriced or overpriced. I know that doesn't help me to know if the bead is what the dealer says it is, but if someone says "ancient Morfia, only $100!!" it will at least be a heads-up for me.

...for that detailed informations about Morfia and Fakron (I habe never heard that name before...) and for these very beautiful images...!!
...and have a nice time in Tucson...beads will follow you in your dreams after...grin...Uwe