African Old San Bushmen Ostrich Shell Belt

This is an Old San Bushman Ostrich Shell and Leather Belt from the Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa. They are isolated from the outside world until the last century, when they created (and still create today) intricate pieces using wild seeds, sticks, bone, tortoiseshell, and most importantly of all, beads painstakingly hand made from shards of ostrich eggshell. The ostrich eggshell bead is the oldest known man-made bead. To the San Bushman, ostrich eggs are symbolic of good luck and good fortune. One egg would be a wonderful meal for a family group. The eggshell could be used to store water as a canteen and, of course, the broken eggshells were made into beads for trading, decoration and today, for income and self expression. A wonderful necklace to add to your collection or home.

Late 20th-Century
Shows Natural Age and Wear

Each Ostrich Shell Bead is Handmade

32 Inches Long
1 1/4 Inches Wide

AT BACARA WE STAND BEHIND ALL OF OUR MERCHANDISE.FULL MONEY BACK GUARANTEE WILL BE PROVIDED FOR DISSATISFIED CUSTOMERS. YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR MAIN GOAL, AND WE THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AT BACARA.Q83