Beads of Bali

Mutisalah beads, as they are known in Indonesian, are called "Indian Reds" in Africa. These are trade wind beads, in that they traveled with merchants from Arabia, China and India to Africa and Southeast Asia. They have been found in archeological digs as far west as East and South Africa and as far East as the Philippines.  The term "mutisalah" translates literally as "false bead," but in Timor the term simply means "bead."

Bead makers in Nusa Tenggara Timur continue to make these for local uses and to sell to foreigners. THese are considered heirloom beads and are passed down from generation to generation.  Of course, freshly minted Mutisalah beads are also presented as antiques to unsuspecting tourists.

References

Dubin, L.S. (1995). The History of Beads. New York: Harry N. Abrams.