Rare Venetian Samburu Whitehearts Trade Beads
Description
The Samburu are a Nilotic people of north-central Kenya. They are a sub tribe of the Maasai. The Samburu are semi-nomadic pastoralists who herd mainly cattle but also keep sheep, goats and camels. The name they use for themselves is Lokop or Loikop, a term which may have a variety of meanings which Samburu themselves do not agree on. Many assert that it refers to them as "owners of the land" ("lo" refers to ownership, "nkop" is land) though others present a very different interpretation of the term. The Samburu speak the Samburu dialect of the Maa language, which is a Nilo-Saharan language. There are many game parks in the area, one of the most well known is Samburu National Reserve. The Samburu is the third largest in the Maa community of Kenya and Tanzania, after the Kisonko(Isikirari)of Tanzania and Purko of Kenya and Tanzania.
This strand is not intended to be a ready-to-wear necklace. Although the strand can be worn "as is," the raffia holding it together is not durable and may break with use. For this reason, we recommend that you restring the beads before wearing them.
Strand Length: 28 Inches.
Bead Size: 7-9 mm in diameter (see photo with penny for comparison)
154144
Approximate Age: Late 19th to Mid 20th Century
People: Venetian
Country of Origin: Italy
Length Details
Size Details
Material
Condition
Overall Condition: Good. Some of these beads have traveled at least three continents, and have graced numerous owners.