Eight copper beads from three central Namibian sites and one possible ore specimen were subjected to metallographic and chemical analysis. The cylindrical beads were found to consist of indigenously produced copper with characteristic cuprite inclusions. The method of fabrication was reconstructed from description of the microstructure, with initial hot working and annealing followed by final cold work to hammer the joins closed without solder. There was significant variation in the inclusion chemistry, probably indicating regional trade, although detailed sourcing studies would be necessary to confirm this. Keywords: Namibia, Namib Desert, Kuiseb River, radiocarbon dating, desert archaeology, archaeological survey, archival documentation.