31 Kiffa Powder Glass Beads Mauritanian

Kiffa beads, a type of rare powder glass beads, were first documented in 1949 by French ethnologist R. Mauny in the Mauritanian city of Kiffa. These beads showcase remarkable artistic skill and creativity, as they are made using basic materials and tools such as pulverized European glass beads, bottle glass, pottery shards, tin cans, twigs, steel needles, gum arabic, and open fires.

The name "Kiffa bead" was coined by bead collectors in the United States during the 1980s, in reference to the old bead making centers in Kiffa. According to Peter Francis, Jr., the practice of making powder glass beads in West Africa may date back several hundred years, and even as early as 1200 CE in Mauritania. These beads are thought to be modeled after older Islamic beads made in Fustat and elsewhere.

Despite the apparent ancient tradition of making Mauritanian powder glass beads, no archaeological evidence has been discovered to establish their age so far.During the 1970s, the last of the remaining traditional bead makers passed away, resulting in the extinction of Kiffa bead crafting. However, since the early 1990s, organized groups of women bead makers have revived the craft by using similar traditional methods. Despite these efforts, the quality and craftsmanship of the new beads have not been able to match the high standards of the old beads.

Although Western artists have attempted to create their versions using polymer clay or lampworked glass, their modern creations do not come close to the beauty of the traditional specimens. The same can be said for modern imitations made in other countries, such as Indonesia.

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