This is an interesting assemblage. It is a combination of Ghanaian powder glass beads (1990s-2000s), some older Czech molded beads, some Ethiopian metal beads from Prayer Bead strands and a couple of newer made Coptic Crosses (also from Ethiopia). I see no signs of Kiffa beads, old or new.
I don't think this is a "tribal" piece but something put together.
Thanks Carl, I love it none the less :) So the black beads are Ghana powder glass? I am having a hard time wrapping my head around the difference between Kiffa and powder glass. Are the added colors on Kiffa more a part of the bead than the Ghana beads on which the colors are added to the surface (I remember someone telling me about "writing method" when I first came on the forum). Thanks again Carl, appreciate you taking the time to educate me.
Mel
(i'd say that Kiffa beads are Mauritanian powder glass beads carefully formed around a core).
the decoration on the surface of your Ghanaian powder glass beads may be something more like paint or nail lacquer or so-called "enamel" paint such as used by model makers. you might test that by scraping on an inconspicuous spot. it could have been added at any other moment before the necklace was assembled.
i know there are creative projects in Ethiopia and many other parts of East Africa making jewellery in order to help women get out of poverty, and it includes adapting traditional components and making beads...
That helps a lot, thanks so much! I like the thought that it could have been African made, it really doesn't look like something an American would do, to my eye anyway. I'm going to go back through the archives and try to educate myself some more. Appreciate your time.
Melissa