Necklace Strung with West African Beads - Coconut Heishi and Antique Lost Wax Brass.
From the collection of Müge Törüner Collier.
Was £75.00 GBP
Now £68.00 GBP
This attractive necklace, strung on nylon thread and fastened with screw clasp, is ready to wear!
Purchased by its current owner 30 years ago, in Senegal. It is made with high quality, vintage components from across West Africa.
The flat ‘disc’ beads are genuine coconut heishi. Small, hand-cut and polished disks made from the byproduct of coconuts (shells). Not to be mistaken for their plastic imitations.
They were historically used as trade beads. These examples have signs of wear, as you can see from the photos, which add to their appeal. I would age them circa 1950-1960, at an educated guess.
There are approximately 270 heishi beads on this necklace and they are relatively well matched in size.
The largest diameter is 1.5cm.
There are three Brass trade beads from Ghana, each made individually through the ‘Lost Wax process’ technique. These beads are made primarily by the Ashanti people and feature traditional Asante Adinkra , symbols which narrate the values of the Akan people. This filigree design is called ‘basket’.
Such beads are still made today, applying the same traditional methods. The beads on this necklace are all vintage, and the photographs highlight their soft patina. I would certainly place them at a similar age as the heishi beads, circa 1950-1960.
The largest diameter is 2.5cm.
The necklace might’ve been strung anywhere from the 1970s-1990s, using older components. It is not only a handsome composition, but a very comfortable one.
On me, the central brass bead sits perfectly at the hollow of the throat. Each of the other brass beads sits slightly above the collarbone.
The total length of the necklace is 47.5cm.
It weighs 93 grams.
Sources:
Article: Ashanti Brass Beads by African Beads and Fabrics, available at https://www.africanbeadsandfabrics.com/…/ashanti-brass…
Accessed March 2026
Images: Of course, as I do at any opportunity, I had to reference the beautiful image of the gold drenched Ashante Royal Dancer, taken by Angela Fisher for Africa Adorned.
The second image is more recent. The model is Nigerian actress Eniola Badmus. She is presently the Special Assistant to the Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives on Social Events and Public Hearings.
Her custom made jewellery in the photograph comes from @monimons__jewelries, by award winning jeweller Alimi Ashiata Monilola.
Image by Lagos photographer nikankonxeptsstudios
Worldwide shipping with Royal Mail – Tracked and Insured – Approximate Fees:
Local shipping £12
European Shipping £21
USA & Canada shipping £24
Worldwide shipping £30
payment via paypal
I will happily combine purchases for shipping up to 500g at no extra cost