Antique African Bead Necklace

Nov. 11, 2007
Antique African Trade Bead Necklace

Today I want to tell you a little about the necklace I have listed on eBay that was made by African Bambuti forest Pygmies, for Jean Pierre Hallet to auction at fund raisers for the peoples of Africa.

Mr. Hallet was a Belgian government employee when he began his love affair with Africa, but he soon became a "rouge". His first book, Congo Kitabu, tells of his earliest adventures there and if you read it you may be tempted to think 'this can't possibly be true' - but it all is true. He was a Powerful, Gentle Giant, following his heart's desire to learn to know about and protect the indigenous people of The Dark Continent. He did seemingly impossible things, practical and dangerous things - even got his right hand blown off by dynamite and then drove himself to a hospital! The man was unstoppable! He never doubted himself or his abilities. He's as close to a real Tarzan as our modern world has ever had!

I met JP in Hawaii, swimming in the ocean, in the mid 60's. He was there at the beginning of his world book tour for Congo Kitabu. We literally bumped into one another while swimming, and after some laughing about it we walked up the beach together. By then he had told me a little of his "story" and I was enthralled! I introduced him to my boyfriend, who introduced him around the beach club and soon we had a huge gathering of spell bound people, listening to this man's descriptions of his extraordinary life. I organized a small dinner party for him the next evening and drove him to the airport when he flew out. To say I was deeply impressed would be a major understatement.

Many year later a friend showed me this necklace, telling me it was made by African Pygmies. I immediately knew Mr. Hallet had to have been involved - and sure enough, she had acquired the necklace at a LA auction years before. After telling her my stories about meeting him she decided to give me the necklace. It has been on display at my home for over 25 years. Now that I am scaling down my life and possessions it seems like a good time to pass it on to a new admirer - a collector, or a museum - or someone who will proudly wear it! You can click the following link if you would like to see the piece on eBay.
http://stores.ebay.com/Rosemoon-Mystery-Company_W0QQssPageNameZl2QQtZkm