Kazakh Artistry - Afghanistan
This collection of 12 only unique hand-beaten Kazakh tribal Silver Beads with Lapis Inlay – measuring 11x12mm, were made by the traditional nomadic Sunni Muslim people known as Kazakhs, originally from the Ural Mountains in Kazakhstan.
There’s no question these metal beads can be used to create stunning ethnic or tribal jewellery – whether it be a pair of earrings, a necklace, bangles or your very own statement jewellery.
They are hollow and have been decorated with intricate silver wire work and circular frames with Lapis Lazuli inlaid – plus their familiar trademark called ‘false granulation’ – which depict triangular imprints.
Crude in texture, each bead is individually hand-made in the Kazakh style and have become an important currency when trading for goods.
Their style is often mistaken for Turkoman craftsmanship – which is actually, quite different, because their beads do not contain the ‘False Granulation’.
The nomads are also called Kuchi Kazakh with numbers these days close to three million and mainly settled in the northern regions of Afghanistan.
The beads in this collection weigh it at about 28 grams - have been heavily discounted and now work out to cost roughly $2.50 each.
All our ethnic Kazakh Beads with Lapis Inlay contain a decent 2-3mm top-drill hole which is suitable for threading with round leather, tigertail or craftline (similar to fishing line).
The accompanying photos illustrate what to expect in your order. But please be mindful that from time to time there may be some minor variations depending on availability.
Please also bear in mind many of these beads are not new, nor have they been mass produced. They are hand-made, contain imperfections and are aged-worn.