These cylinder-shaped "beads" were probably made as hair decorations/ornaments for men with dreadlocks. Of course they are just as versatile as any other bead as they can be strung on a cord with or without other components and are universally useful in jewelry design.

All have an interior diameter of 5/16" (.8 cm)

The 2-flag, longest one represents the flags of France and Togo: 1" long (2.5 cm)

The 4-Rasta color bead is 3/4" long (1.9 cm)

The American Flag bead is 5/8" long (1.7 cm)