I so enjoyed this blog hop challenge! We were instructed to choose a part of the world other than where we live and then create something inspired by it. I chose Africa, because for years I’ve been fascinated by tribal jewelry and love to collect African trade beads. Here’s a picture of part of my collection-
Those beads in the center of the tray are kiffa beads, and they’re the reason why I specifically chose Mauritania as the African country I felt inspired by.
Mauritania is an interesting land of contrasts on the Western coast of Africa, and is bordered by both the Atlantic Ocean and the Sahara Desert. The northern part of the country is inhabited by nomadic Arab and Berber tribes, and by black African people in the southern portion.
Making kiffa beads
African women make the colorful kiffa beads by hand, using traditional methods and very simple ingredients – ground glass, gum arabic – sometimes even saliva! The beads are made in pans over an open fire. Modern kiffa beads look much the same as ones made long ago. I think they’re so beautiful!
I have a handful of kiffa beads that I’ve been hanging onto for a number of years, and I used them in three separate jewelry pieces for this challenge. First is this pair of earrings made with hammered brass hoops, batiked bone beads and a couple of small kiffas-
Next is a bracelet with beads that remind me of Morrocan silver, a large copal amber bead and small kiffas.
The final piece is a necklace made with antiqued brass, czech glass and more kiffa beads, including my favorite – a triangular focal.
Thanks so much for joining me on my little tour of Mauritania – I hope you enjoyed it!
Be sure to visit all the other countries and artists on this wonderful trip around the world!
lilruby jewelry 
Love your kiffa beads and jewelry pieces Joan… they certainly are a great match for your choice of country. I had no idea the beads were made in this way.
jenni
beautiful beads! a great post.. thanks.
Love your pieces, they are great! I have some similar beads from Ghana that I am just waiting for the right time to use.
Thanks! I’ve had these kiffa beads for a long time and could never decide what to do with them. I’m glad this challenge forced me to finally use them!
What a treat to have beads made by your Country of Choice! I would never have thought the beads were made in this fashion – how painstaking! But, that makes them even more special! I love the bracelet – the toggle is a great size for those beads! All of the colors are gorgeous. But, my favorite piece is the earrings! They are perfect with the hammered hoops! Thanks for sharing!
I’ve never heard of kiffa beads. How very colorful! I do love tribal jewelry myself. The designs are just beautiful.
I have to admit – I’m a tad jealous of your beads:) LOVELY use of them – that necklace is to die for!
I love tribal jewelry and African beads. You did an awesome job with your pieces.
How lovely! I think that all your pieces capture the spirit and liveliness of your chosen country. I especially love knowing how those beads are made. What a great process! And so personal… you know that an artist made each one by hand! Those earrings are fab, and I would love to wear them. And tribal jewelry is very hot right now! Thank you so much for participating in this challenge! I think that I need to go and get a passport! Enjoy the day. Erin
OK so now I need to go read more on Kiffa beads. Glass and spit?! An open fire? Amazing. I like your necklace – but full stop! Your bracelet is a stunner! Perfect contrast b/w the large solid copal amber and the color and texture of the beads! Wow! And the earring rock too, just saying…
Those kiffa beads are beautiful. I can’t wait to get my hands on some. 🙂 Your earrings are just gorgeous, as is your bracelet. That necklace just makes me swoon. I love the brass mixed in and the pendant you chose.
Interesting post and lovely pieces. Thanks for sharing about the Kiffa beads. Your work in this challenge certainly has a rustic old world feel. Nice job.
The kiffa beads are lovely. I think it would be hard to part with them. Your pieces are beautiful, and represent Mauritania so well. And I love that copal amber bead.
Joan, thank you so much for sharing this view of the beautiful people of Mauritania, and the time-honoured tradition of producing these unique beads. Your creations are truly inspired by the colourful costumes. I very much hope to visit Africa some day and see Mauritania with my own eyes!
I love the bracelet! I would definitely wear it and is is totally Africa! 🙂
Thanks for the visit to Mauritania via your kiffa beads. Loved learning about them and seeing how you used them. My favorite is the earrings because the brass frames the beads.
Thank you for taking us to Mauritania, what gorgeous pieces you have made with kiffa beads. I now need to go and read more about kiffa beads. Happy travels!
I had never heard of kiffa beads – your necklace, bracelet and earrings showcase how beautiful they are.
I have never heard of kiffa beads before and not I find them very interesting.. great job.
Amazing how the kiffa beads are made. Your creations are just beautiful!
Love your pieces – especially the earrings!
I am so in love with African Tribal beads. Am jealous of your collection, and what you have done with it, especially that necklace. Fantastic!
Very pretty, I especially like the necklace – it’s very tribal! Thanks for sharing Mauritania with us!
Thank you for taking me on your trip to Mauritania I enjoyed learning about the people and culture. It was fascinating to learn about how the kiffa beads are made. I love your earrings, bracelet, and necklace they are all very beautiful and a well representation of Mauritania.
I love everything you created! Especially the earrings!
Wow! So interesting to learn about the Kiffa beads. Want to learn more! All of your pieces are beautiful. Especially love your earrings.
All three pieces are amazing – my favorite is the bracelet with the silver beads. Gorgeous and very organic!
Vibrant colours and great contrasts,Love and hugs Tanya
Beautiful! How wonderful to hear of these beads, I don’t believe I’ve come across them before. Your pieces have a direct connection to their inspiration and the hands that made them there which gives them an exrta beauty. Great work!