Bead making is an ancient art which is being practiced by the human beings in their course of development. From Egyptian civilization to Indus civilization this art took various forms and orientations with regional and cultural variance. Kiffa glass beads are the rare and splendid powdered glass beads of Kiffa which is in north-western African country of Mauritiana.

Process for Making Kiffa Glass Beads

The process of making Kiffa bead though is very simple but it requires great artistic skills and patience The crushed glass mixed with human saliva are given intricate patterns and colorful designs. The beads are then fired in a tin, can or pottery shards. The tools used in making these beads are also very simple and include fragmented European beads, steel needle, shards and twigs. To make designs on the glass, pointed needle is used, and the method is called "wet pack" method.

Popular Forms of Kiffa Glass Beads

Kiffa glass beads are generally triangular and are worn by the women in hair. These beads represent highest level of artistic creativity and ingenuity in bead making. The amazing varieties of colors and the complex designs has made these beads as an alternate choice for ornaments and to an object for interior decor.