I bought these and similar green glass beads when I was in W. Africa in 1998. They are similar to Indo-Pacific beads, but somewhat larger. I suppose they were recovered in Mali at Islamic Period Niger River occupation sites. And they are probably Egyptian or Western Asian ("Syrian").

Jamey

That explains why the Traders don't recognize them - supplies have probably dried up there.

You are welcome.

I sometimes have the feeling that Africans who come to the US generally bring stuff that they think will be recognized, for which there is a market. But that also means they may not be bringing beads that don't have a "track record," or that are just unknown.

I have no idea what may be happening with the Niger River digs. One hopes they are not "exhausted" by now. Some real archaeology is deserved, and would be beneficial. But all that is outside of my purview—though I am positive about good professional recovery and preservation for posterity.

JDA.

I have a couple of strands of yellow and green beads that I've thought look like drawn canes that were somehow segmented and snapped off. With what look like turquoise faience beads. And other stuff.

They just have an "old" vibe. So thanks for the pointer as to their possible (as in maybe, not sure) origin.