Live Help
8am-4pm PST
8am-4pm PST
African Trade Beads
African beads were first produced as a form of currency for native inhabitants all across the continent of Africa centuries ago, and are now appreciated world wide by thousands of bead collectors, wearers, and enthusiasts. What draws people to trade beads is not only their elegance and beauty in craft, but the experience and history that comes along with each bead. While African bead makers continue to create new beads today, many of the items we offer have traveled long distances and years of existence to arrive where they are today.
We carry a large selection of high quality, authentic trade beads. Hundreds of strands in stock, including glass trade beads, antique african trade beads, vintage venetian trade beads, Chevron trade beads, czech trade beads, and more.
Trade Beads are beads that have been used as a form of currency for the exchange of goods and services especially in West Africa. Some of the more common items that these beads were bartered for include ivory, gold, slaves, and other goods that were in demand by Europeans and colonial overlords. Trade beads were made throughout Europe, however their production was concentrated in Venice and Bohemia where the secrets of glass bead production were a carefully guarded secret. The high demand for European beads in Africa can be attributed to the cultural value put by African peoples on decorative items. Jewelry items could add to the status of the owner and could be passed on to future generations as a symbol of wealth.
Interestingly, trade beads were also used for trade in the New World. The important role that they played is illustrated by the legend that the Dutch purchased the island of Manhattan from local Native American tribes for several strands of beads. It is believed that Christopher Columbus used glass Trade Beads for barter during his early voyages. Later, Spanish explorers and European fur traders and American explorers such as Lewis and Clark used Trade Beads to facilitate interactions with local peoples and to procure goods. Today, African beads used in the trade are considered highly collectible items.
A wide variety of Trade Beads were produced between the 16th and 20th centuries. One of the most celebrated bead designs is the Millefiori Bead from Venice that was named after the characteristic flower pattern on its surface. The methods used to make these and other beads are a testament to the innovation of Venetian artisans. African artisans subsequently copied glass cane beads such as the Millefiori using powdered glass techniques to produce indigenous African Kiffa Beads with similar patterns. Additional well-known varieties of trade beads include Chevrons, Dogon Beads,Vaseline Beads, Russian Blue Beads, Skunk Beads and many others.
Today, Trade Beads are world-renown for their rich legacy and aesthetic beauty. While African Trade Beads have long been highly regarded in African culture, their appreciation in Western countries continues to grow both among bead collectors and artists as well as bead enthusiasts alike.
Original price
$125.00
-
Original price
$125.00
Original price
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
-
$125.00
Current price
$125.00
Old Russian Blue Disk Trade Beads
Out of stock
These great little beads are unique as they are colorful. The translucent blue tones have are similar in tonality to the more common faceted Russia...
View full details
Original price
$125.00
-
Original price
$125.00
Original price
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
-
$125.00
Current price
$125.00
Sold out
Original price
$34.50
-
Original price
$34.50
Original price
$34.50
$34.50
$34.50
-
$34.50
Current price
$34.50
Vintage Kakamba Prosser Beads (13mm) #16549
Out of stock
The unique look of Kakamba beads is easily recognized among the beads of Africa. Originally produced in former Czechoslovakia, these beads are made...
View full details
Original price
$34.50
-
Original price
$34.50
Original price
$34.50
$34.50
$34.50
-
$34.50
Current price
$34.50
Sold out
Original price
$34.50
-
Original price
$34.50
Original price
$34.50
$34.50
$34.50
-
$34.50
Current price
$34.50
Vintage Kakamba Prosser Beads (12-14mm) #16544
Out of stock
The unique look of Kakamba beads is easily recognized among the beads of Africa. Originally produced in former Czechoslovakia, these beads are made...
View full details
Original price
$34.50
-
Original price
$34.50
Original price
$34.50
$34.50
$34.50
-
$34.50
Current price
$34.50
Sold out
Original price
$289.00
-
Original price
$289.00
Original price
$289.00
$289.00
$289.00
-
$289.00
Current price
$289.00
Rare Multifaceted Russian Blue Beads
Out of stock
Among the most celebrated of faceted beads, Russian Blues derive their romantic name from their involvement in the Russian fur trade of the Pacific...
View full details
Original price
$289.00
-
Original price
$289.00
Original price
$289.00
$289.00
$289.00
-
$289.00
Current price
$289.00
Sold out
Original price
$34.50
-
Original price
$34.50
Original price
$34.50
$34.50
$34.50
-
$34.50
Current price
$34.50
Vintage Kakamba Prosser Beads (13mm) #16545
Out of stock
The unique look of Kakamba beads is easily recognized among the beads of Africa. Originally produced in former Czechoslovakia, these beads are made...
View full details
Original price
$34.50
-
Original price
$34.50
Original price
$34.50
$34.50
$34.50
-
$34.50
Current price
$34.50
Sold out
Original price
$149.00
-
Original price
$149.00
Original price
$149.00
$149.00
$149.00
-
$149.00
Current price
$149.00
Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads #13822
Out of stock
Take a look at this beautiful antique strand of Venetian Millefiori trade beads! Celebrated among the most distinctive of beads, the Millefiori ha...
View full details
Original price
$149.00
-
Original price
$149.00
Original price
$149.00
$149.00
$149.00
-
$149.00
Current price
$149.00
Sold out
Original price
$79.00
-
Original price
$79.00
Original price
$79.00
$79.00
$79.00
-
$79.00
Current price
$79.00
Mixed Antique Venetian Trade Beads #13704
Out of stock
Looking for a truly unique strand of antique mixed trade beads? Then look no further. This beautiful strand of old african trade beads contains a m...
View full details
Original price
$79.00
-
Original price
$79.00
Original price
$79.00
$79.00
$79.00
-
$79.00
Current price
$79.00
Sold out
Original price
$34.50
-
Original price
$34.50
Original price
$34.50
$34.50
$34.50
-
$34.50
Current price
$34.50
Vintage Kakamba Prosser Beads (13mm) #16547
Out of stock
The unique look of Kakamba beads is easily recognized among the beads of Africa. Originally produced in former Czechoslovakia, these beads are made...
View full details
Original price
$34.50
-
Original price
$34.50
Original price
$34.50
$34.50
$34.50
-
$34.50
Current price
$34.50
Sold out
Original price
$34.50
-
Original price
$34.50
Original price
$34.50
$34.50
$34.50
-
$34.50
Current price
$34.50
Vintage Kakamba Prosser Beads (14mm) #16550
Out of stock
The unique look of Kakamba beads is easily recognized among the beads of Africa. Originally produced in former Czechoslovakia, these beads are made...
View full details
Original price
$34.50
-
Original price
$34.50
Original price
$34.50
$34.50
$34.50
-
$34.50
Current price
$34.50
Sold out
Original price
$32.50
-
Original price
$32.50
Original price
$32.50
$32.50
$32.50
-
$32.50
Current price
$32.50
Vintage Kakamba Prosser Beads (10mm) #16417
Out of stock
The unique look of Kakamba beads is easily recognized among the beads of Africa. Originally produced in former Czechoslovakia, these beads are made...
View full details
Original price
$32.50
-
Original price
$32.50
Original price
$32.50
$32.50
$32.50
-
$32.50
Current price
$32.50
Sold out
Original price
$34.50
-
Original price
$34.50
Original price
$34.50
$34.50
$34.50
-
$34.50
Current price
$34.50
Vintage Kakamba Prosser Beads (14mm) #16542
Out of stock
The unique look of Kakamba beads is easily recognized among the beads of Africa. Originally produced in former Czechoslovakia, these beads are made...
View full details
Original price
$34.50
-
Original price
$34.50
Original price
$34.50
$34.50
$34.50
-
$34.50
Current price
$34.50
Sold out
Original price
$245.00
-
Original price
$245.00
Original price
$245.00
$245.00
$245.00
-
$245.00
Current price
$245.00
Old Nigerian Glass Trade Bead Medley
Out of stock
These old glass beads are likely of Venetian origin. The well worn glass has graced many owners and passed through many hands. Old glass beads in t...
View full details
Original price
$245.00
-
Original price
$245.00
Original price
$245.00
$245.00
$245.00
-
$245.00
Current price
$245.00
Sold out
Original price
$18.00
-
Original price
$18.00
Original price
$18.00
$18.00
$18.00
-
$18.00
Current price
$18.00
Medley of Old Ghana Trade Beads
Out of stock
Admire this beautiful medley of old African beads from Ghana. In each strand, you will find a mixture of vintage beads from former Czechoslovakia, ...
View full details
Original price
$18.00
-
Original price
$18.00
Original price
$18.00
$18.00
$18.00
-
$18.00
Current price
$18.00
Sold out
Original price
$28.00
-
Original price
$28.00
Original price
$28.00
$28.00
$28.00
-
$28.00
Current price
$28.00
Striped Venetian Watermelon Chevron Beads #13197
Out of stock
Checkout these beautiful Venetian trade beads, known as watermelon chevron. Similar to the commonly known Chevrons, they display a colorful set of ...
View full details
Original price
$28.00
-
Original price
$28.00
Original price
$28.00
$28.00
$28.00
-
$28.00
Current price
$28.00
Sold out
Original price
$28.00
-
Original price
$28.00
Original price
$28.00
$28.00
$28.00
-
$28.00
Current price
$28.00
Striped Venetian Watermelon Chevron Beads #13194
Out of stock
Checkout these beautiful Venetian trade beads, known as watermelon chevron. Similar to the commonly known Chevrons, they display a colorful set of ...
View full details
Original price
$28.00
-
Original price
$28.00
Original price
$28.00
$28.00
$28.00
-
$28.00
Current price
$28.00
Sold out
Original price
$28.00
-
Original price
$28.00
Original price
$28.00
$28.00
$28.00
-
$28.00
Current price
$28.00
Striped Venetian Watermelon Chevron Beads #13211
Out of stock
Checkout these beautiful Venetian trade beads, known as watermelon chevron. Similar to the commonly known Chevrons, they display a colorful set of ...
View full details
Original price
$28.00
-
Original price
$28.00
Original price
$28.00
$28.00
$28.00
-
$28.00
Current price
$28.00
Sold out
Original price
$79.00
-
Original price
$79.00
Original price
$79.00
$79.00
$79.00
-
$79.00
Current price
$79.00
Mixed Antique Venetian Trade Beads #12934
Out of stock
Looking for a truly unique strand of antique mixed trade beads? Then look no further. This beautiful strand of old african trade beads contains a m...
View full details
Original price
$79.00
-
Original price
$79.00
Original price
$79.00
$79.00
$79.00
-
$79.00
Current price
$79.00
Sold out
Original price
$165.00
-
Original price
$165.00
Original price
$165.00
$165.00
$165.00
-
$165.00
Current price
$165.00
Matching Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads #13332
Out of stock
Take a look at this beautiful antique strand of Venetian Millefiori trade beads! Celebrated among the most distinctive of beads, the Millefiori has...
View full details
Original price
$165.00
-
Original price
$165.00
Original price
$165.00
$165.00
$165.00
-
$165.00
Current price
$165.00
Sold out
Original price
$16.00
-
Original price
$16.00
Original price
$16.00
$16.00
$16.00
-
$16.00
Current price
$16.00
Fancy Venetian-Style Round Krobo Beads
Out of stock
Wow! Take a look at this super colorful medley of Krobo Beads. The unique designs on each bead are inspired by antique Venetian trade beads. The be...
View full details
Original price
$16.00
-
Original price
$16.00
Original price
$16.00
$16.00
$16.00
-
$16.00
Current price
$16.00
Sold out
Original price
$32.00
-
Original price
$32.00
Original price
$32.00
$32.00
$32.00
-
$32.00
Current price
$32.00
Premium Round Matte Millefiori Beads (10mm)
Only 10 left!
These exquisite millefiori beads are modeled after Venetian Trade Beads, made from multi-color chevron canes by slicing a glass cane, and forming i...
View full details
Original price
$32.00
-
Original price
$32.00
Original price
$32.00
$32.00
$32.00
-
$32.00
Current price
$32.00
Original price
$59.00
-
Original price
$59.00
Original price
$59.00
$59.00
$59.00
-
$59.00
Current price
$59.00
Old Green Watermelon Chevron Bead Medley #11476
Out of stock
The distinctive green color of these watermelon chevron beads is enticing to the eye. These beads derive their name from the characteristic green p...
View full details
Original price
$59.00
-
Original price
$59.00
Original price
$59.00
$59.00
$59.00
-
$59.00
Current price
$59.00
Sold out
Original price
$325.00
-
Original price
$325.00
Original price
$325.00
$325.00
$325.00
-
$325.00
Current price
$325.00
Jumbo Mixed Antique Venetian Trade Beads #15966
Out of stock
Looking for a truly unique strand of antique mixed trade beads? Then look no further. This beautiful strand of old african trade beads contains a m...
View full details
Original price
$325.00
-
Original price
$325.00
Original price
$325.00
$325.00
$325.00
-
$325.00
Current price
$325.00
Sold out
Original price
$14.00
-
Original price
$14.00
Original price
$14.00
$14.00
$14.00
-
$14.00
Current price
$14.00
Blue Russian Fulani Tube Funeral Beads (4mm)
Out of stock
These vintage Fulani Beads are great for almost any intricate jewelry or design project. These old glass beads are typically found among the Fulani...
View full details
Original price
$14.00
-
Original price
$14.00
Original price
$14.00
$14.00
$14.00
-
$14.00
Current price
$14.00
Sold out
Original price
$225.00
Original price
$225.00
-
Original price
$225.00
Original price
$225.00
Current price
$195.00
$195.00
-
$195.00
Current price
$195.00
Old Nigerian Igbo Glass Trade Beads
Out of stock
Great strand of unusual glass beads from Nigeria. These beads are associated with the Igbo people of Nigeria in West Africa who have a rich traditi...
View full details
Original price
$225.00
Original price
$225.00
-
Original price
$225.00
Original price
$225.00
Current price
$195.00
$195.00
-
$195.00
Current price
$195.00
Sold out