TERA Gallery - African Art and Antiquities "Altering The Way You View The World Of Art" |
Type of Object:
Ethnic Group:
Dimensions:
- Copal Beads
The oldest known substitute for amber is copal, a resin
family product which is very similar in appearance. Experts
vary in their assessment of the age of copal in a semi-
fossilized form or fresh, gum form however the maximum
age is usually less than a million years.
There is so much confusion around Copal Amber and
Amber. Copal is a very young amber that has not gone
through the entire fossil process. It is hard and often has
insects inside. Natural Amber will not craze, crack and will
not melt as will Copal. Copal is very pretty and lots of jewelry
is made from the beads or pendant pieces. Natural Amber
is harder to work with as it will chip and fracture.
These beads are very nicely matched with many desirable
qualities of its own.
Ethnic Group:
- Ethiopia
Dimensions:
- 28 inches
