The perforations can tell the story. I've seen many of these beads that are remakes of old broken beads, even the edges of the holes have been smoothed out to resemble wear. Some of the pendants have the same history.
I've been told by a knowledgeable Malian that there is also a mass production of new 'old' beads, stone tools and arrowheads in Niger.
That's interesting, Judy. These beads are mixed - some have fairly sharp corners, others rounded or rondelle-like edges; some seem worn, some not. I wonder if new and old beads are being mixed in lots together.
I seem to remember someone explaining here on this forum awhile back that "neolithic" can mean "We're making them the way they were made thousands of years go". That is, using neolithic techniques--hand-knapping, hammering, etc.
So they can LOOK old, but are more recently made, and implied they are old without actually telling a fib about it. :^D
Was it Jamey???
Since I love the LOOK, but can't afford the AUTHENTICITY, I go with the look I like at the price I can afford.
HTH
thanks for the links! this is very interesting. 1000 yrs is plenty old imo!
