Vintage African Trade Beads Blue Tan White 50 pc Lot

Trade beads were of European origin, mostly Murano, Italy, generally known as "Venetian". Also made in Bohemia (Germany) , Czechoslovakia and even some Dutch.
These beads were traded for Ivory, rum, precious stones and even slaves.
Used mainly as trade items between the16th and 20th centuries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, many have been passed down in families, strung and restrung, worn on clothing, instead of clothing...
Most have a soft, matted finish as the original shine has worn off over time from handling and storage. Some have chips some have air bubbles, some even have pieces missing, but all have use and inner beauty

Sand cast beads are made in African countries, and the story I was told is that it was a way to use broken trade beads; incorporating them into the production of the newer bead material.

These are blue on one end, tan on the other and white in the middle with stripes, 50 beads total.
All have large holes, would work with hemp nicely.

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