For centuries, natural substances served purposes now reserved for synthetic materials. Clay, soil, wood, seeds, leaf fiber, stones, skins, hair, and bones were employed for function and adornment. Today , the necessity of using natural materials is gone, but the appeal of goods hand-made from organic sub- stances remains. Kenyan bone artiststs use a batik dying method to convert discarded domesticated cow bones into striking decorative and daily use items. By creating works of beauty for export to the world market from what many modern cultures would perceive as waste material, Kenyan artisans use elements of their heritage to progress in a rapidly changing world.
The strand is approximately 28" long( 14 ½" from top-to-bottom), and each bead is about 25mm in diameter. Due to the handmade nature of these beads some beads may have a wood core that is more secure than others.