Antique Venetian African Trade beads

Angharad had the opportunity to buy a collection of fine and rare antique beads. a large part being a selection of Trade beads. By 1750, Europeans controlled the seas, had established colonies in Africa, Asia and the Americas and were running organised, immensely profitable world wide commercial trade.

These beautiful beads were used for barter in Africa and were traded for gold, ivory and palm oil etc. These beads were greatly treasured by the African tribes who passed them down from generation to generation. Their intrinsic beauty is undeniable. No two pieces are the same and therefore not an exact match to the photographs below.

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