Various Clay beads from around the world date as far back as 950-5000 BC. One of the most prominent locations was Africa. Originally used in prayer strands and amulets for jewelry. Clay was not just easy to work with but was one of the most affordable materials in the poorest regions of the country. The Dogon tribe from Mali are known for their beautiful black clay beads. Some of the oldest clay beads were discovered from cremation burials in Greece.