Museum Explorer
Dress and ornament
in Africa
Coral and glass bead necklace
From: Kabyle, Algeria
Date: early 20th century AD
This necklace is not just a pretty thing to wear. The bright pink beads are made of coral, washed up from the sea bed. Coral is said to bring good luck and protect children from evil, lightning and tidal waves.
Other parts of this necklace also have a special meaning: for example, silver is a sign of honesty. Can you find any dagger-shaped stones? They are there to keep away the evil eye. It is said that if someone looks at you with envy or ill-will, their stare will bring you bad luck.
