Made of brass and/or copper alloys using the lost wax casting method which has been widely practiced on the African continent for centuries. Certain groups (like the Wodaabe), within the Fulani tribe still lead the nomadic lifestyle of their ancestors. They have resisted where possible all outside influence and cultural change. They call themselves Wodaabe, meaning 'people of the taboo', that is, those who adhere to the traditional code of behavior.
Living in central Niger, parts of Nigeria & Cameroon, they travel
in small family groups, in search of grazing land for their cattle,
camels and donkeys. They believe that they were given the
greatest beauty on earth, & they rely strongly on jewelery to
further beautify themselves.
Glass, plastic, metal beads, coins,
shells, stones, coral and other objects including modern plastic
keyrings, suitcase locks, & imitation gem stones acquired at a
local market, are being incorporated into their adornments.
Their concern for beauty is also evident in the hairstyles & hair
decoration of the women. Long plaits of hair wrapped in brass
indicate that a girl thus adorned is considered particularly
beautiful.
The beads are called "white heart" trade beads. Such a delicious color of ruby red, the beads date back as far as the 1500's. They are called "White Hearts" because they are made of two layers of glass; they have a "white heart" underneath a ruby red outer layer.
It measures 19" from end to end, or 8 1/2" from top to bottom.