Jumbo Mixed Antique African Trade Beads #17765

This exceptional 42" strand of antique African trade beads brings together an unusually diverse collection of both European-made Venetian trade beads and indigenous West African powder glass beads. Glass beads were an important part of trade between Europe and Africa for centuries, with Venetian beadmakers producing elaborate beads specifically for overseas markets, while West African artisans developed their own distinctive glassmaking traditions, often recycling glass into hand-formed powder glass beads. Over generations, these beads became valued not only for adornment but also as symbols of wealth, status and cultural identity. This particular strand is distinguished by the remarkable variety and large size of its beads, with examples including King beads, Bodom beads, blue-and-white skunk beads, fancy Venetian beads, and even a rare authentic German marble bead. The assortment displays an extraordinary range of colors, patterns, shapes and traditional glassmaking techniques, with the weathering and surface wear expected of old beads that have traveled and been used over many years. Individual beads measure approximately 5–20 x 13–30mm, with hole sizes ranging from approximately 2–6mm. The complete strand measures approximately 42" long. A wonderful collector's strand and a striking representation of the long history of beadmaking and trade between Europe and West Africa. You will receive the exact strand pictured.