Additional information: Coral, especially red Mediterranean coral, was highly valued in West Africa. Since genuine coral was difficult to acquire, and expensive, many coral imitations were produced. These handsome glass beads from Nigeria are one example. For more information, please see our comprehensive guide to African-made beads, African Beads: Jewels of a Continent, hardcover, 216 pages, 163 color photographs, available from Africa Direct.

• Type of Object: Glass
• Made In: Nigeria
• People: Yoruba
• Bead Size: 15-18 mm diameter. See picture with penny for size comparison (US penny is 19 mm diameter). and Strand Length: 25 inches (includes string/raffia)

Type of Object: GlassAfrica Direct