Necklace N -
"Melting Pot"As with many of the necklaces, "Melting Pot" speaks of various cultures, diverse lands, and materials derived from nature. Each element tells a story of the molding and transformation of these materials by and through creative invention, technique, and applied treatments. Each also reflects on the social, spiritual, economic, aesthetic, and geographic framework of the region of origin, as well as that of the intended or ultimate destination, whether sold or traded. Each bead offers a glimpse of it's maker.
Copper hook and copper plated brass chain closure
Adjustable 26" – 29" Price: $255.00
Below are details about the beads in this necklace…bead by bead:
1. Hand-Made Ceramic Beads (3) approx. 1.25" x 1" each
Purchased 15-20 years ago from a ceramic artist near Seattle, WA, USA, these beads were hand-formed and have a wonderfully organic essence. Each is glazed in a metal oxide finish of copper and rust colors, and was fired in the Artist’s studio.
2. Amber-Colored Glass Beads (10) Krobo Beads
Made in Ghana, West Africa in an area called Kroboland, and hence, their name. These are made by crushing and grinding scrap glass and bottles into a fine powder which fills depressions made in baked clay molds. These are fired in an oven or kiln until the glass melts. Often, the stem of a Cassava leaf or small twig is placed upright in the center of each depression the form the hole for stringing. The Krobo beads have a unique, frosted, almost surface. These have been made in this region of Africa for thousands of years, and appear in various colors.
3. Celluloid Disc Spacer Beads (24, two sizes) Molded Cellulose Plastic
Invented by John W. Hyatt, celluloid was the first major plastic manufactured. Manufacturing began in 1872, and was used extensively until the 1940’s, when other plastics came on-board. A nitrated cellulose, or plant derivative, it was used in a multitude of products ranging from motion picture film to fountain pens, to decorative items such as buttons and beads. Recycled from an old necklace.
4. Ebony Beads (4)
Ebony beads are made from the Ebony Tree. Much of the world’s Ebony has come from Tanzania, Africa. Ebony is a beautiful, finely grained, very dense hardwood, black, with a hint of brown. These ebony beads are cleanly cut, and display an almost hand rubbed surface. These are recycled from an old necklace find.
5. Coiled Copper Wire Beads (14)
Cylindrical, drawn copper wire is coiled and crimped by hand. These are a product of the craftspeople of Kenya, Africa.
6. Coconut Shell Disc Spacer Beads (12)
The thinly sliced discs are generally associated with the South Pacific Islands.
