Silver Sudanese / Ethiopian Fertility Necklace

An fabulous example of an exceptional traditional long necklace, sourced in Sudan but most likely to be of Ethiopian origin. Ethiopian jewellery often contains symbols of ancient design, some first recorded as early as 300AD. The granulated silver beads of obviously phallic design are symbols of fertility and would have been worn by married women. Strung on cotton multi-strand of adjustable length.
Height top to bottom: approx 53 cm / 21 inches