Bauxite Stone and Glass Beads Ghana Ericson Collection

Lovely collection of Bauxite beads in different shapes, sizes and textures and a few glass beads too. Comes with all the beads pictured. 

Bauxite, a striking dark rusty chestnut-colored aluminum ore, undergoes meticulous hand-cutting, carving, polishing, and drilling in Africa to create exquisite beads. The heart of bauxite bead production lies in Akyem Abompe, a small Ghanaian village, where families sustain themselves through bead manufacturing. These beads carry a warm, earthy patina, with the most prized ones having absorbed natural human oils and sweat over time, giving them a unique allure. Their beauty shines especially when combined with ostrich egg heishi, creating a stunning blend of textures and hues.

Provenance: Ericson Collection

Marian Ericson was a creative collector located in Dallas, Texas with a keen eye for beautiful art and jewelry. Her shop, "The Creative Urge," was located in the popular shopping area called the Quadrange, in a three-story Victorian-style home. During that time in the 70's, she met many fascinating roaming artists and individuals including a vibrant man named Basara Susu from Gambia. Bins, shelves, and boxes would flood the creative space with new, old, and unfamiliar items, cherished by all. Marian held on to her beloved collection until she passed away in March of 2000 at the age of 66. Africa Direct is very proud to be the new owner of this extraordinary collection.

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