For your bidding pleasure in this lot are two necklaces of Mali African clay bead and Whorl necklaces. In Africa, clay beads were used as trade beads in Ghana and Mali. Clay beads were mainly worn by the common people, as clay was available in abundance. Clay beads were traditionally used in prayer strands, as well as in amulets as jewelry. The beads were typically designed with large holes that could accommodate leather thongs. In Mali, cotton is hand spun by women and the technique involves winding long strands of cotton onto a spinning stick, or spindle, known as a “Djenne”. Attached to the tip of the stick is the large clay whorl that functions as a spinning weight, causing the stick to turn smoothly. The first necklace is made of round beads with a large whorl at the center point; this necklace measures 34" and is on heavy twisted string. The second necklace is made of mostly whorl shaped beads of graduating size and measures 37" around. This necklace is also strung on heavy twisted twine. The beads of this style can be up to 1000 years old.