• Green Molded Glass Interlocking Gear Trade Beads from Bohemia, Circa early 1900s (Origin: Bohemia - modern day Slovakia and the Czech Republic; Collected: Africa)
• Handcrafted Silver Content Telsum Prayer Boxes or Amulets from Ethiopia, Circa late 19th Century (Origin: Ethiopia; Collected: Africa)
• Dark Wooden Smooth Rondelles
• Handcrafted Sterling Silver Toggle Clasp from Thailand
• Sterling Silver Findings
• Finished with Silver French Bullion

N0908-104

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BOHEMIAN GLASS INTERLOCKING GEAR BEADS: Many Bohemian glass beads were made in a molding method. These beads were probably made using the Prosser technique which is a special type of molding. Brothers Richard and Thomas Prosser invented a machine in 1840 to accomplish an almost seamless and precise mold. The machine subjects a pellet of clay mixed with other ingredients to pressure in a die. Then they are fired and the finished beads are fairly exact in form. Prosser beads will have seams but they are hard to spot. On interlocking beads, the seams are along one edge. These particular beads have been referred to as “gear beads” because of their unique and uncommon shape.

ETHIOPIAN TELSUM PRAYER BOXES OR AMULETS: These handcrafted small Telsum prayer boxes contain a high silver content and were worn by Ethiopian Christians as protective amulets. The triangular shaped boxes were worn to guard against the “evil eye” and the crescent shaped boxes were worn to guard against the “crescent moon”. The “evil eye” is believed to have the power to bring misfortune to other people at first glance and the “crescent moon” could bring disaster or hardship. Amulets have been used since mankind evolved from its distant origins millions of years ago and continue to be an important part of our modern culture.