African Bone, Kenya, Rondelle, 13x22mm, 22in Strand

African Bone, Kenya, Rondelle, approx. 13x22mm, 2-3mm Hole

This price is for one 22 inch strand

13x22mm strands have approx. 40 pieces

These beads are handmade in Kenya from recycled cow bone and occasionally camel. The bones are collected from local butchers and abattoirs, turning what would be waste into a valuable art form.

The bones are scrubbed, boiled to remove marrow and oils, and then bleached in the sun to create a clean, white canvas. Artisans use lathes, saws, and grinding wheels to carve the bone into various bead shapes.

Decorated using a batik wax-resist method, which creates distinctive brown and white, or black and white patterns. Artisans paint designs onto the white bone using melted beeswax or candle wax. The wax acts as a resistant protecting the bone underneath from the dye. The beads are dipped into the dye, traditionally made from natural sources like tree bark or indigo, though modern makers often use potassium permanganate to achieve a deep, rich brown or black. Once the dye has set, the wax is scraped or melted off, revealing the original white bone underneath.

Handmade in Kenya