Vintage Antique Large East African Batik Bone Bead DZI Pumtek Carved Tribal

These beads steam from a long tradition of modifying beads with bold designs that started with Carnelian and DZI beads which lead to Pumtek beads which then lead to the bone beads. The ones identified as Batik originated in Kenya and are a relatively recent development, approximately anywhere from 50 to 100 years old. Made from the bones of cows or other large animals, polished, shaped and carved. Once the design has been applied they are dried and set for export. More commonly seen in Africa, Southeast Asia, India and China. Pics have been taken with and without flash. Please view pics closely for size comparisons.