What's New?!

New is a relative term for these beads, most of which are over 300 years old. These are African Trade Beads. Most were made in Venice & Czechoslovakia and traded around the world for goods and services beginning around the 16th century. Often these beads are called "slave" beads because they were often traded for slaves in the Western countries of Africa. However, beads were used as currency to buy furs, gold and supplies in the Americas and Europe as well. Occasionally trade beads can be found outside Africa, but most of the beads now on the market are coming back across the Atlantic from Africa where they were passed down as dowries and adorned brides as a sign of wealth.

We have just received an amazing selection of trade beads from our friend Musa. Stop in soon for the best selection.