The Kiffa Bead is one of my favorite Africian Trade Beads.
"Probably the most famous of African produced beads ... the skilled production of these handmade and individually decorated, powder-glass beads has been practised by the ladies, in and around the town of Kiffa in Mauritania, for over 100 years. To read my account of fascinating overland journey - from the Gambia to the town of Kiffa in February 2001, which contains background information on these beads", writes the author of this African trade bead site.
http://www.africantradebeads.com/Product_Index/Kiffa/kiffa.html
I found a trader of Kiffa Beads during one of my Tucson Gem and Mineral Show excurions. There was an Africian Bead Trader and I thought I was in Bead Heaven in that tent. I brought this strand of Kiffa Beads home and restrung it adding Tubular Peyote around the neck area. This made the necklace longer and easy to wear. http://www.rowenaart.net/store/products.php?catid=11&category=Trade%20Beads