Gallery

A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.

Mahleb Scented Beads

Posted by Edith D on April 11, 2012 at 12:02pm

I purchased these beads from a tiny museum in Tamezret near Matamata, a Berber village where Arabic is spoken as a second language. These beads have a completely different scent from the Geranium-scented beads...the scent is spicy instead of perfumed. The red beads are made with henna, while the dark brown are made with a black powder. The beads are strung with gold-colored plastic beads, now the preferred substitute for those unable to afford gilt silver.