In Mali, cotton is hand spun by women and the technique involves winding long strands of cotton onto a spinning stick, or spindle. The whorl (or bead) is attached to the tip of the stick is the and functions as a spinning weight helping the cotton to be spun smoothly. Some whorls are decorated or painted, to draw attention to the movement as it spins during weaving.

Handmade West African clay beads. Sold by the strand. Each strand slightly unique, we will select for you.

• Terracotta clay

• Niger Delta in Mali, Africa.

• Dimensions: 27” Length without string, Bead diameter 2”