I don't think these are Muslim. I've never seen phallic representation in Muslim beads or art. I've seen similar beads from Nigeria. Are they brass? I would like to see other opinions. Judy
I still have a necklace or two of these from twenty years ago. One memorable customer comment, when I took them out of the case to show her and mentioned what they were:
"Well! No wonder I liked them!"
These are two sets that I have left. I recollect another that was comprised of small, worn beads such as yours, but I don't know if I sold it or simply can't find it...
I have some of the round silver ones, identical to yours, and was told (don't recall when or by whom) that these were made in Yemen.
Possibly I saw a similar strand on eBay.
Here is a Yemeni prayer box with similar round dangles for decoration.
I believe some shapes and patterns are popular just for aesthetic appeal, with no other special symbolism.
Yemeni bridal necklaces, usually described as from Bedouin tribes.
One with a combination of round and a few phallic shapes; the other, all phallic.
Many different variation on the dangles can be found in Yemeni jewelry.
I have identical beads brought from Yemen. The above strand, Ethiopia, I agree. But due to so much cast brass from West Africa, I feel these brass pieces may be from there.
It is usually said that women wear phallic necklaces in the hope of having a male child. Whether this is accurate or not, it is an often-repeated proposition.
Also, since many Ethiopians are Christians, such necklaces are not Moslem.
JDA.
