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Beautiful agate African trade beads

About the Item

Probably Togo, Africa, probably early 20th century Trade or slave beads formed an essential element in trade networks between Europe, Africa, Asia, the Pacific and America, from the 15th until the 20th century. Mainly made of glass from Venice, Holland and Bohemia, the beads were shipped in huge quantities to Africa (and the rest of the world) to be traded for slaves, gold, ivory, palm-oil and other goods desired in Europe. The success of this form of currency can be attributed to the fact that glass-making was not or little known in SubSahara Africa (or in America and the Pacific) and on the high value African people put upon decorative jewellery. The quantity, quality and style of the beads were a measure of wealth and showed ones status in society. Tasts varied widely between countries and even between neighbouring vilages so the variety and quantity of beads produced by the European glassmakers was Real amber (fossil resin, age unknown) and imitation amber (phenolic resin, early 20th century made in France). enormous. Between the 15th and 20th century European explorers, traders and missionaries carried the beads to peoples around the world and the profits were enormous. The making of, and trading in glass beads of course is much older than the 15th century. Phoenician and Roman glass beads, over 2000 year old, and early Islamic beads, mostly made in Egypt and Mesopotamia over a 1000 years old, have been unearthed in the Sahara and Sub-Sahara Africa, from Sudan in the East to Mauretania in the West.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 0.4 in (1 cm)Diameter: 13.78 in (35 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Agate,Beaded
  • Place of Origin:
    Togo
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Early 20th century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Amsterdam, NL
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5458242066542

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