12 Multicolor Skunk Venetian Trade Beads Jk Brown Collection
Description
Includes 12 loose Venetian beads.
Trade beads, often made of glass, were crucial in historical trade between Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. They were more than just decorative items; they served as currency, symbols of status, and carriers of cultural stories. Produced mainly in Europe, these beads gained immense popularity in Africa, where they were exchanged for valuable resources. Today, these beads are cherished by collectors and artists alike for their beauty, historical significance, and the stories they tell about global trade and cultural exchange.
Provenance: JK Brown Collection
Kathie and Jerry Brown have been collecting trade beads for more than 50 years. They had a business selling them for many years, called “Thunder and Lightning.” According to Jerry, “Kathie was the lightning, and I was the thunder!” Their collecting began in 1967 when they met a Peace Corps volunteer who was selling his collection to finance a school for African children- and the Browns bought it all. Over the years, they’ve amassed thousands of stands of Venetian and other European trade beads, as well as made-in-Africa beads and jewelry. They sold at Mountain Man rendezvous and other events. Africa Direct is very proud to be the new owner of this extraordinary collection.
12 Beads
Bead Size
6-12 mm in diameter. Please see picture with ruler for size comparison.
142592
Approximate Age: 20th Century
People: Venetian
Country of Origin: Italy