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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.

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Thin Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads #20732 Sold out
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00
$129.00
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00

Thin Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads #20732

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
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00
$129.00
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00
Sold out
Thin Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads #20733 Sold out
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00
$129.00
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00

Thin Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads #20733

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
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00
$129.00
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00
Sold out
Thin Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads #20734
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00
$129.00
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00

Thin Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads #20734

Only 1 left!

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
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00
$129.00
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00
Thin Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads #20735 Sold out
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00
$129.00
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00

Thin Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads #20735

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
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00
$129.00
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00
Sold out
Thin Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads #20736
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00
$129.00
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00

Thin Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads #20736

Only 1 left!

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
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00
$129.00
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00
Thin Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads #20737
Sold out
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00
$129.00
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00

Thin Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads #20737

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
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00
$129.00
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00
Sold out
Thin Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads #20738
Sold out
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00
$129.00
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00

Thin Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads #20738

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
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00
$129.00
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00
Sold out
$75.00 - $75.00
$75.00
$75.00
$75.00 - $75.00
$75.00

White Stripe Dogtooth Venetian Trade Beads (6-8mm)

in stock

Found in Nigeria, these authentic Venetian Glass Trade Beads derive their name from their resemblance to natural teeth. Dogtooth beads are characte...

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$75.00 - $75.00
$75.00
$75.00
$75.00 - $75.00
$75.00
Sold out
$199.00 - $199.00
$199.00
$199.00
$199.00 - $199.00
$199.00

Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads (Extra Long Strand) #16484

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
$199.00 - $199.00
$199.00
$199.00
$199.00 - $199.00
$199.00
Sold out
Sold out
$865.00 - $865.00
$865.00
$865.00
$865.00 - $865.00
$865.00

Antique Yoruba Chief White Heart Beads Necklace #17117

Out of stock

Every year or two we come across a piece so special that we have a hard time listing it for sale -- this is it! We are told that this beautiful nec...

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$865.00 - $865.00
$865.00
$865.00
$865.00 - $865.00
$865.00
Sold out
$185.00 - $185.00
$185.00
$185.00
$185.00 - $185.00
$185.00

Tic-Tac-Toe Venetian Trade Beads #13424

Only 1 left!

Take a look at this beautiful highly prized strand of Tic-tac-toe beads. These brick-red beads are Venetian-made and known for their unique and fun...

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$185.00 - $185.00
$185.00
$185.00
$185.00 - $185.00
$185.00
Sold out
$367.00 - $367.00
$367.00
$367.00
$367.00 - $367.00
$367.00

Rare Antique Green Czech Glass Trade Beads with Gold Edges

Out of stock

Experience the elegance of a bygone era with these rare Antique Bohemian Glass Beads, crafted in the historic glassmaking region of Bohemia (modern...

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$367.00 - $367.00
$367.00
$367.00
$367.00 - $367.00
$367.00
Sold out
Sold out
$235.00 - $235.00
$235.00
$235.00
$235.00 - $235.00
$235.00

Blue & Yellow Matching Antique Oval Venetian Millefiori Beads #16612

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
$235.00 - $235.00
$235.00
$235.00
$235.00 - $235.00
$235.00
Sold out
Sold out
$285.00 - $285.00
$285.00
$285.00
$285.00 - $285.00
$285.00

Blue & Yellow Matching Antique Oval Venetian Millefiori Beads #16611

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
$285.00 - $285.00
$285.00
$285.00
$285.00 - $285.00
$285.00
Sold out
Sold out
$79.00 - $79.00
$79.00
$79.00
$79.00 - $79.00
$79.00

Vintage Fulani Pastel Glass Seed Beads

Out of stock

Transport yourself to the bustling markets of Nigeria with these Vintage Fulani Pastel Glass Seed Beads. This colorful, multicolored strand bundle ...

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$79.00 - $79.00
$79.00
$79.00
$79.00 - $79.00
$79.00
Sold out
Sold out
$6.25 - $6.25
$6.25
$6.25
$6.25 - $6.25
$6.25

Christmas Beads (Turquoise Medley)

Out of stock

Christmas beads comprise of a special blend of choice beads created in former Czechoslovakia for use in Africa. Also known as "African love beads,"...

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$6.25 - $6.25
$6.25
$6.25
$6.25 - $6.25
$6.25
Sold out
Sold out
$36.00 - $36.00
$36.00
$36.00
$36.00 - $36.00
$36.00

Vintage Kakamba Prosser Beads (12mm) #16986

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...

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$36.00 - $36.00
$36.00
$36.00
$36.00 - $36.00
$36.00
Sold out
$49.00 - $49.00
$49.00
$49.00
$49.00 - $49.00
$49.00

Rare Yellow Vintage Kakamba Prosser Beads (10mm) #16987

Only 1 left!

The unique look of Kakamba beads is easily recognized among the beads of Africa. Originally produced in former Czechoslovakia, these beads are made...

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$49.00 - $49.00
$49.00
$49.00
$49.00 - $49.00
$49.00
Sold out
$36.00 - $36.00
$36.00
$36.00
$36.00 - $36.00
$36.00

Vintage Kakamba Prosser Beads (12-13mm) #16988

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
$36.00 - $36.00
$36.00
$36.00
$36.00 - $36.00
$36.00
Sold out
Sold out
$36.00 - $36.00
$36.00
$36.00
$36.00 - $36.00
$36.00

Vintage Kakamba Prosser Beads (12mm) #16986

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
$36.00 - $36.00
$36.00
$36.00
$36.00 - $36.00
$36.00
Sold out
$295.00 - $295.00
$295.00
$295.00
$295.00 - $295.00
$295.00

Green Antique Venetian Feather Trade Beads #16614

Only 1 left!

Indulge in the rich history and uniqueness of these Green Antique Venetian Feather Trade Beads from Ghana. Originally crafted in Venice, these glas...

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$295.00 - $295.00
$295.00
$295.00
$295.00 - $295.00
$295.00
$325.00 - $325.00
$325.00
$325.00
$325.00 - $325.00
$325.00

Antique Fancy Venetian African Trade Beads #16609

Only 1 left!

Transport yourself back in time with these exquisite Antique Fancy Venetian African Trade Beads from Ghana, a true collector's gem. The intricate g...

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$325.00 - $325.00
$325.00
$325.00
$325.00 - $325.00
$325.00
Sold out
$210.00 - $210.00
$210.00
$210.00
$210.00 - $210.00
$210.00

Semi-Matching Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads #16602

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
$210.00 - $210.00
$210.00
$210.00
$210.00 - $210.00
$210.00
Sold out
$245.00 - $245.00
$245.00
$245.00
$245.00 - $245.00
$245.00

Matching Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads #16469

Only 1 left!

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
$245.00 - $245.00
$245.00
$245.00
$245.00 - $245.00
$245.00