:: artisan strands for home and lifestyle ::

 :: beads ::

Made from the salts and sands of the Dead Sea, Hebron beads date back hundreds of years. As trade routes opened up between the Middle East and Africa, these beads became a valued form of currency. They have traveled their way around the world and through many vibrant trade cities. Their distinct shape is attributed to the tribes in Kano, Nigeria where they ground down the sides to make them easier to wear. Each one is unique and has its own fascinating history.

Crafted by the Krobo tribespeople in Ghana, these magical beads are produced from recycled glass bottles and scraps. The glass is ground to a powder and then placed into handmade vertical molds. Cassava leaf stems are used to form a hole and the molds are then fired in a kiln. The uniqueness of their shapes adds to their beauty. Today these come in a variety of sizes, but the largest are the hardest to produce and rarest to find. They reflect centuries of time-honored artisan bead making.

These beautiful beads are made by centuries old traditions passed down amongst generations of female potters.  The women in Tunisia were recently given cultural recognition by the UNESCO for their unique pottery and technique. The women in South Africa produce these exceptional beads as a means to support their families.  The artisans in Mexico have been producing these gorgeous terra cotta beads for centuries.  Special beads are also created and barrel-fired by saam. They are all handmade, unique and fascinating in their individuality.

These intricate metal beads have been forged over the centuries throughout Africa. The lost wax technique begins with beeswax and the hand molding of the shapes, including all details. The wax beads are then encased in clay and fired in a kiln. The  wax melts, creating empty space and molten metal is poured into this void. The clay is fired again and when cooled, the beads are chiseled out, cleaned and polished. The beads take hours to produce and have a mesmerizing quality.