Nigeria
Brass and bronze beads, pendants and fetishes have been produced in both the lost wax casting method and fabrication techniques for hundreds of years. Metal jewelry was highly prized and displayed wealth on the wearer. Many beads are produced today, but the bulk of the beads offered here are rare and 100 – 300 years old! Some have iron or copper alloys, and show years of wear in smoothness and patina. Yoruba tribe beads are listed in a separate category; the metals listed here are not Yoruba.
Large, Old Bronze Nigerian Beads
MNIG622m-o
These rare cast bronze beads from Cameroon or northern Nigeria have varied markings and patterns, and are believed to be from 200 – 300 years old. Some have more copper or iron content. The beads shown in the photograph are between 30mm diameter x 18mm thick to 29mm diameter x 14mm thick. Please order by M, N or O; Sold separately.
3 in stock
Huge Strand of Brass Bells from Nigeria
MNIG640st
24" strand of jingly-jangly brass bells from Nigeria. Made by the "lost-wax" technique almost every bell has a clapper and, when shaken, makes a cheerful racket! Bells measure approx. 8mm in diameter to 14mm diameter. A great buy!
1 in stock
Cast Bronze Tubes from Nigeria
MNIG634
BACK IN STOCK!!! Pretty cool cast bronze large tubes from Nigeria. Great for tassels or dreadlocks! Each one is different: sizes range from 25-45mm long x 22mm wide. Randomly picked; so if you want a specific length, please make note of it when you order. Sold separately.
13 in stock
Nigerian Brass/Bronze Necklace, B
MNIG653B
Fun 30" necklace from Nigeria. 13 Brass/Bronze tubes (approx. 60mm long x 12mm diameter) and one large heart shaped pendant (62mm long x 53mm wide x 17mm thick). Some patina. Awesome as a necklace or for pieces and parts for your own creation!
1 in stock
British West African Coins, small
MNIG608
These old silver-color "one tenth penny" coins have a 6-pointed star and 1930-1950 dates, with King George VI, some with Arabic writing. Great jewelry part! 6mm center hole, 20mm across, sometimes available in strands (please call for strand information). Condition varies from coin to coin; some with little wear and some with a lot – see photo for examples.
100 in stock
Strands of Solid Brass Rounded Cylinders
MNIG603ST
BACK IN STOCK! Old Solid brass cylinders from Nigeria, sold in 20" strands with approximately 70 beads; 10mm-10.5mm diameter.
9 in stock
Venetian Pink Eja/Aja Beads
GTBAFR3584
BACK IN STOCK! Ruth has decided to let go her personal stock of these fun beads. Pink Eja (or Aja) beads… Venetian glass beads that were altered in Nigeria by heating the glass and squishing them down to a flattened disc; approximately 8-9mm diameter x 3mm thick with 1.5-2mm holes for stringing. Extremely rare and collectable. Priced separately.
105 in stock
Gorgeous Strand of Green Eja/Aja Beads
GTBAFR3566ST
22" long strand of very rare green Eja (or "Aja") altered Venetian beads from Nigeria! Size averages 7-9mm in diameter x 1-3mm thick, from the early and late 1800s; made from Venetian beads. Delicious green with yellow, red, black and red stripes.
1 in stock
Large Agate Stone Beads
STAFR1005lg
Very nice quality faceted agate stone beads possibly from India, but traded in West Africa/Nigerian region. Around 50 years old. Sizes range from 15mm-33mm long x 16mm-20mm diameter with 2mm holes. Photo shows a number of beads, SOLD SEPARATELY, not as a group. Picked at random, if you have a preference, please use the "special instructions" box when you check out.
8 in stock
Small Agate Stone Beads
STAFR1005sm
Very nice quality,vintage faceted agate stone beads possibly from India, but traded in West Africa/Nigerian region. Around 50 years old. Sizes range from 13mm-27mm long x 10mm-14mm diameter with 2mm holes. Photo shows a number of beads, SOLD SEPARATELY, not as a group. Picked at random, if you have a preference, please use the "special instructions" box when you check out.
50 in stock