These mysterious beads have always been highly desirable, and when rare examples reach the market there is always keen interest.
These designs were made by one nomadic family in Mauritania called Lmalem who travelled between Boutelamin, Kiffa and Nouakchott making these carved beads for the weddings of high status B’than Maure families.
The family would supply the beads and have them carved.
Originally fossil Amber beadswere used, but those would break, so since 1940 only French Amber ( Bakelite) was used.
The name of these spectacular beads in Mauritania is Muhafen Luban, meaning improved Amber.
