Turkoman (Turkman) Artistry – Afghanistan
Each bead in this collection of two 17x50mm handmade lapis bicones, contain a fine silver wire frame into which unpolished Lapis Lazuli is inlaid to create a beautiful work of art.
Tribal and ethnic in every sense, these handmade beads have been crafted by the nomadic Turkoman people – an ethnic group native to Central Asia and living mainly in Turkmenistan and the north eastern regions of Afghanistan and Iran.
And there’s no question they can be used to create amazing ethnic-inspired statement jewellery items such as necklaces, bracelets or an ankle bangle.
These unusual beads would make a wonderful addition to your jewellery-making box of special beads.
They would also provide lots of potential for creativity for those artisans with a bent for creating amazing Middle Eastern-inspired ethnic style or statement jewellery.
The beads are often used as currency when trading for goods.
All our ethnic Turkoman beads 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 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 individually hand-made – often using primitive-like tools and some contain imperfections.